Near Roscoe in Sullivan County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

“They Came to the Mountains by Rail”

Photographed by Mary Ellen Coghlan, September 11, 2009

1. “They came to the mountains by rail” Marker

Located a few feet west of The Catskills Mountain marker at the Roscoe Rest Area.

Inscription. On July 9, 1873, a few miles to the west of here, was driven the “Golden Spike” completing the New York and Oswego Midland Railroad—later the New York, Ontario & Western (O & W).

This rail link opened up the interior of Sullivan County to millions in the New York Metropolitan area, eager to vacation amidst its natural beauty. Thus, tourism became a new and vital local industry, and remains so one century later.

The Route 17 Quickway here was built on the roadbed of the O & W.

Erected 1973 by Sullivan County Tourism.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Features • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1749.

Location. 41° 55.561′ N, 74° 51.853′ W. Marker is near Roscoe, New York, in Sullivan County. It is on the Route 17 Quickway at the Roscoe Rest Area, 2.8 miles east of Exit 94 (Old Route 17), on the right when traveling east. Marker is in front of the comfort station. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Roscoe NY 12776, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York

and in the Hudson Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Catskill Mountains (here, next to this marker); Livingston Manor Covered Bridge (approx. 1.8 miles away); Westfield Flats Cemetery

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(approx. 2½ miles away); Presbyterian Church (approx. 2½ miles away); John R. Mott (approx. 2½ miles away); Borscht Belt - Livingston Manor (approx. 2.6 miles away); Devastating Fire (approx. 2.6 miles away); Risen from the Ashes (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roscoe.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Livingston Manor Covered Bridge (was approx. 1.8 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. In the coming months Route 17 also known as the "Quickway" will be converted to Interstate 86.

Photographed by Scott J. Payne, October 1, 2016

2. “They Came to the Mountains by Rail” Marker

“They Came to the Mountains by Rail” Marker with section of rail. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Clifton Patrick, September 17, 2016

3. “They Came to the Mountains by Rail” Marker with section of rail.

Closeup of rail section under “They Came to the Mountains by Rail” panel. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Clifton Patrick, September 17, 2016

4. Closeup of rail section under “They Came to the Mountains by Rail” panel.

Photographed by Charles Berman, December 25, 2023

5. “They Came to the Mountains by Rail” Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2009, by Mary Ellen Coghlan of Manahawkin, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,066 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 13, 2009, by Mary Ellen Coghlan of Manahawkin, New Jersey. 2. submitted on October 2, 2016, by Scott J. Payne of Deposit, New York. 3, 4. submitted on October 8, 2016, by Clifton Patrick of Chester, NY, United States. 5. submitted on June 14, 2024, by Charles Berman of Binghamton, New York. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.