Anglesea Railroad
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railroad |
| Founded | November 20, 1882 |
| Founder | Frederick E. Swope |
| Defunct | May 23, 1888 |
| Fate | Purchased by West Jersey Railroad |
| Headquarters | New Jersey , United States |
Area served | New Jersey |
The Anglesea Railroad was a railway enterprise in the United States, established in 1882. It commenced operations to Anglesea, New Jersey in 1883 and subsequently extended its line to Holly Beach, New Jersey. Due to financial setbacks, the company declared bankruptcy in 1884 and was later purchased by the West Jersey Railroad, which eventually became part of the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines, in 1888.
History
Frederick E. Swope, a real estate entrepreneur and proprietor of the Anglesea Land Company, played a central role in founding the railroad. The company was officially incorporated on November 20, 1882. Construction began eastward from Burleigh, New Jersey, located on the West Jersey Railroad route, crossing Grassy Sound to reach Anglesea. This initial stretch of 7.1 miles was inaugurated in July 1883.
Financial instability plagued the railroad, partly attributed to substandard roadbed conditions, which earned it the nickname "Mud Hen." The company entered receivership on December 25, 1884. In 1885, a 3-mile extension reaching Holly Beach was opened. On May 23, 1888, ownership transferred to the West Jersey Railroad.
Following its acquisition by the West Jersey and Seashore Railroad, the line was renamed the Five Mile Beach Branch. The route was ultimately discontinued after the establishment of the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines in 1933.