South Orange in Essex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Swamp Line Trolley
South Orange & Maplewood Trolley
Photographed by Bryn Douds, March 8, 2021
1. Swamp Line Trolley Marker
In the 1880s, the Swamp Line, also known as the South Orange & Maplewood Trolley and other names, ran through the Village to Tremont Avenue in Orange, along the east branch of the Rahway River. By November 1897, the line was expanded to Erie RR Station at Main Street, West Orange. In its final years the trolley was operated by the Public Service Railway Company and renamed the Montrose Car Line. On July 31, 1927 a sudden storm caused the river to overflow its banks, and the Montrose Car Line trolley floated off the tracks into the muck, ending its service.
Erected by The Township of South Orange Village.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is July 31, 1927.
Location. 40° 45.067′ N, 74° 15.556′ W. Marker is in South Orange, New Jersey, in Essex County. It is on Meadowbrook Lane 0.1 miles north of Mead Street, on the right when traveling north. Located in Meadowland Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Meadowbrook Ln, South Orange NJ 07079, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey, in Greater Newark, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. 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 walking distance of this marker: Connor Swimming Pool Complex (here, next to this marker); Flood's Hill and Lone Oaks Golf Course (here, next to this marker); Baird Community Center
this page online
More about this marker. "Flood's Hill and Lone Oaks Golf Course" is on the back of this marker.
Regarding Swamp Line Trolley. Organized as the South Orange and Maplewood Street Railway on August 17, 1894, it began operations on October 12, 1895, running from South Orange Avenue, west of the railroad tracks, to Tremont Avenue in Orange. In 1897 it changed name to the South Orange and Maplewood Traction Company and extended to Main Street, West Orange. On October 1, 1903, it was leased to the North Jersey Railway Corporation and operated by Public Service Corporation. The name was changed to Montrose Line on January 3, 1916. It officially ceased operations on August 2, 1927 just days after the flood.
Photographed by Bryn Douds, October 6, 2023
2. Swamp Line Trolley Marker
The trolley used a traction engine that could operate in either forward or reverse, so it was not necessary to turn the trolley car around.
Photographed by Bryn Douds, March 8, 2021
3. Flood's Hill and Lone Oak Golf Course Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2023, by Bryn Douds of South Orange, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 701 times since then and 101 times this year. Last updated on September 9, 2024, by Bryn Douds of South Orange, New Jersey. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 27, 2023, by Bryn Douds of South Orange, New Jersey. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
