St. John's in CensusDiv 1 - Avalon Peninsula-St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
Former Newfoundland Railway Headquarters
L’ancien siège social du chemin de fer de Terre-Neuve
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 22, 2014
1. Former Newfoundland Railway Headquarters Marker
This remarkable building served as the headquarters and terminus of the Newfoundland railway system. Begun in 1881, the railway played a significant role in the development of the island. Its benefits were evident by the eve of World War 1, as new interior towns were established to exploit rich timber and mineral resources. The railway line, achieved at high cost to the colonial treasury, dominated Newfoundland politics for decades. Completed in 1903, this building combines elements of the Second Empire and Château styles in the massing of the pavilions and the design of the gables.
French
Cet attrayant bâtiment abritait autrefois le siège social et le terminus du réseau ferroviaire de Terre-Neuve. Celui-ci, dont la construction débuta en 1881, joua un rôle important dans le développement de l’île. À la veille de la Premiere Guerre mondiale, il favorisa l’établissement de nouvelles villes pour l’exploitation des richesses forestières et minières de l’intérieur. Mais le coût élevé de sa construction domina la scene politique terre-neuvienne pendant plusieurs décennies. Le pavillons et les gables de ce bâtiment,
this page online
Erected by Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada/Commission de lieux et monuments historique du Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.
Location. 47° 33.265′ N, 52° 42.826′ W. Marker is in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in CensusDiv 1 - Avalon Peninsula-St. John's. It is on Water Street close to Job Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 495 Water Street, St John's NL A1E, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Atlantic Canada. 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 a British colony and also the Viceroyalty of New France.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sir Robert Gillespie Reid
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 22, 2014
2. Former Newfoundland Railway Headquarters Marker
The marker is at the right end of the building/
Also see . . .
1. Railway - Newfoundland Heritage. The Newfoundland railway operated for a little over a century. From 1882-97 the trains ran over completed portions of a projected trans-insular line. The first passenger train across the island ran in June 1898. Regular passenger service ceased in July 1969, and the last freight ran in June 1988. The railbed has since been designated a "T'railway" and a linear provincial park. (Submitted on November 23, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
2. Railway Coastal Museum - Wikipedia. The building was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988 for its role in commemorating the important role played by the Newfoundland Railway in the social, economic and political history of the province It was also designated a Heritage Railway Station in 1990.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 22, 2014
3. Former Newfoundland Railway Headquarters
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 22, 2014
4. The Maid of Industry statue
Erected at the turn of the 20th century by Charlie Henderson, stonemason for the Reid Newfoundland Railway, as a tribute to his co-workers.
Miss Francis (Fanny) Quinlan of North Arm Holyrood, the Henderson’s housekeeper, who later became Mrs. John Gushue of Whitbourne, modeled for the statue.
Photographed by Ayre & Sons, circa 1912
5. Railway Station, St. John's, Newfoundland
Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 814 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 23, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5. submitted on November 29, 2014. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
