The Late Collision - Providence & Worcester R.R., August 12, 1853
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Accidents were frightfully common on American railroads in the mid-19th century. Cheap construction, crude equipment, poor signaling, and uncoordinated timekeeping all contributed to the problem. This illustration shows a wreck on the Providence & Worcester Railroad in 1853. Two passenger trains failed to meet at a passing siding as scheduled. They collided head-on, killing 13 and seriously injuring 30 more.
Accidents were frightfully common on American railroads in the mid-19th century. Cheap construction, crude equipment, poor signaling, and uncoordinated timekeeping all contributed to the problem. This illustration shows a wreck on the Providence & Worcester Railroad in 1853. Two passenger trains failed to meet at a passing siding as scheduled. They collided head-on, killing 13 and seriously injuring 30 more.
Artifact
Print (Visual work)
Date Made
August 1853
Subject Date
12 August 1853
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
82.129.1235
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Wood engraving (Process)
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 11 in
Width: 14 in
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