TUPPER LAKE, N.Y. — For the first time since 1981, an Adirondack Railroad train traveled from Thendara Station, just outside of Old Forge, north to Tupper Lake.
The special train traveled on Tuesday (Sept. 13) to celebrate the recently completed reconstruction of state-owned track between the two stations.
Events at the Tupper Lake Depot included a welcome by community leaders, a ribbon cutting and photo, remarks by invited guests, and a tour of the Tupper Lake community, recently awarded a $10 million Development Renewal Incentive Grant by the state.
Adirondack Railroad staff and volunteers donated more than 500,000 hours to protect and refurbish the historic railway and provide an experience for residents and visitors to the region.
This year is the 130th anniversary year of the first passenger train, operated by the Mohawk and Malone Railroad, that arrived in Tupper Lake on July 16, 1892.
The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, Inc., operates the Adirondack Railroad. It’s a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer-based organization based in Utica and in operation since 1992.