Woodbridge in Middlesex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Great Woodbridge Train Wreck of 1951

Woodbridge Train Disaster Marker image. Click for full size.

By R. C.

1. Woodbridge Train Disaster Marker

The accident took place in a heavily populated part of Woodbridge

Inscription. In memory of the 85 people who perished on February 6, 1951, when a Pennsylvania Railroad Commuter Train derailed ¼ of a mile (1300 feet) south of this station, and in recognition of the Woodbridge residents and those of the surrounding communities who came to the aid of the injured.

Erected 2003 by New Jersey Transit.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Railroad series list.

Location. 40° 33.303′ N, 74° 16.641′ W. Marker is in Woodbridge, New Jersey, in Middlesex County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Eleanor Place on Main Street. Monument is clearly visible in front of a small park just behind the railroad trestle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Woodbridge NJ 07095, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Woodbridge Township (within shouting distance of this marker); Woodbridge Police Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woodbridge Township Municipal Building (about 300 feet away); Soldiers and Sailors Monument (about 400 feet away); Purple Heart Memorial (about 400 feet away); United States Post Office

View of marker and small park from Main Street. image. Click for full size.

By R. C.

2. View of marker and small park from Main Street.

(about 400 feet away); Woodbridge United Methodist Church (about 400 feet away); Woodbridge War Memorial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodbridge.

Regarding Great Woodbridge Train Wreck of 1951. This monument was dedicated for the 50th anniversary of a train wreck in Woodbridge, New Jersey that killed 80 passengers and injured hundreds more.

The train (called "The Broker" because of the Wall Street executives who rode it) had crossed a temporary trestle which was unable to support it at the speed the train was traveling.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 29, 2018. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2008, by R. C. of Shrewsbury, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 4,977 times since then and 78 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 27, 2008, by R. C. of Shrewsbury, New Jersey. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.