Fanwood station

Fanwood station

Company type	NJ Transit rail station
Industry	Transportation
Founded	1837
Headquarters	Fanwood , United States
Area served	Union County, New Jersey
Products	Passenger rail services

Fanwood station serves the Raritan Valley Line under New Jersey Transit in Fanwood, located within Union County, New Jersey, United States. Positioned on the north side of the tracks (westbound platform), the Victorian-style building is currently occupied by a non-profit group, similar to the facility on the north side at Westfield. The station's official address is 238 North Avenue, Fanwood, Union County, New Jersey. Ticket sales take place inside the station structure on the south side of the tracks (eastbound platform). On July 17, 1980, Fanwood station was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History

Originally named Scotch Plains, the station was founded in 1837 by the Elizabethtown and Somerville Railroad along a route connecting Elizabethport and Plainfield. This early alignment is now traced by modern Midway Avenue. Due to limitations of early wood-fueled locomotives, the track had to curve around Fanwood hill. However, with the advent of stronger coal-powered engines, the Central Railroad of New Jersey—having assumed control—purchased land in 1867 to shift the line to its present location. The railroad’s charter required ownership of all property between the former and new routes, resulting in a fan-shaped tract that was developed into suburban housing known as Fanwood Park. For four decades, homes were constructed and marketed there by the Central New Jersey Land Improvement Company, a subsidiary affiliated with the railroad.

The Fanwood Station Complex encompasses three primary structures: the main station edifice (erected in 1874), a shelter built in 1897, and a pedestrian overpass completed in 1946. The principal building exhibits Victorian-era Carpenter Gothic design elements and was part of a newly established line between Westfield and Plainfield. The station derives its name from Miss Fanny Wood, daughter of a railroad executive, which also inspired the naming of both Fanwood Park and the Borough of Fanwood, incorporated in 1895. Comparable architectural styles were employed at stations such as Matawan and Red Bank along the North Jersey Coast line.

Constructed in 1897 on the south side of the tracks, the shelter initially functioned as a waiting area and baggage room; it transitioned into a temporary commuter facility in 1965 after being sold to Fanwood Borough for community purposes. The pedestrian overpass linking both platforms was added in 1946.

In addition to its 1980 inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, Fanwood Station was recognized as a contributing property within the Fanwood Park Historic District in 2004.

Station layout

This station comprises two low-level side platforms alongside two tracks. The inbound platform measures , while the outbound platform is , each capable of accommodating four train cars.

See also

• Operating Passenger Railroad Stations Thematic Resource
• List of New Jersey Transit stations
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Union County, New Jersey

External links

• world.nycsubway.org – NJT Raritan Line Information
• Martine Avenue Station – Google Maps Street View
• Station House – Google Maps Street View