Kensington in Prince County, Prince Edward Island — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
The PEI Railway Began Operation on 25 May, 1875
La PEI Railway est Entrée en Opération le 25 mai 1875
— Kensington PEI Rail Depot —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2019
1. The PEI Railway Began Operation on 25 May, 1875 Marker
Despite its challenges, the PEI Railway began operation on 25 May, 1875…
…and Kensington Station was a major stop and switchyard.
Before plans for the PEIR had been announced, Kensington had been little more than a small village where five roads met. Its original name, Five Lanes End, plainly reflected this distinction.
With the railway on the horizon, however, businesses that had established along the coast for its access to direct shipping lanes began to move inland along the train route. Island entrepreneurs pulled up stakes and relocated their families and businesses from nearby (and train-less) communities such as Margate, and the former little village of Kensington became something of a boomtown.
Malgré les défis, la PEI Railway est entrée en opération le 25 mai 1875…
…et la gare de Kensington constituait un arrêt et un aiguillage important.
Avant l'annonce du projet de PEIR, Kensington n'était guère plus qu'un petit village où se rencontraient cinq routes. Son nom original, Five Lanes End (« Au bout des cinq routes »), en dit
this page online
Avec l'avènement imminent du rail, les entreprises établies le long de la côte afin d'avoir un accès direct au transport ont commencé à s'installer dans les terres, le long de la voie ferrée. Les entrepreneurs de l'île saisirent l'occasion pour relocaliser leurs familles et leurs entreprises depuis les villages adjacents (et sans train) comme Margate, et Kensington a vite pris l'allure d'une ville champignon.
Erected by Prince Edward Island Museum & Heritage, and the Confederation Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is May 25, 1875.
Location. 46° 26.244′ N, 63° 38.362′ W. Marker is in Kensington, Prince Edward Island, in Prince County. Marker can be reached from Commercial Street east of Imperial Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located along the Confederation Trail, near the former Kensington Railroad Depot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21 Commercial Street, Kensington PE C0B 1M0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Unique Architecture and Cultural Significance (a few steps from this marker); Challenges in Store for the PEI Railway (a few steps from this marker); Joining the Confederation (within shouting distance of this marker); The Age of Steam Becomes the Age of Diesel
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2019
2. The PEI Railway Began Operation on 25 May, 1875 Marker
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Kensington PEI Rail Depot
Also see . . . Town of Kensington. Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth century the Town flourished as its commercial and industrial base expanded. In 1873 the provincial railroad, detouring from its original path, made its way through the Town and began operating in 1875. Many businesses then moved from Margate to Kensington. This brought numerous benefits and increased the prosperity of the community. Kensington became a central station and shipping point for the region. (Submitted on April 26, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
