Grand Trunk Railway Depot [built in 1855] & Grounds in Brockville

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This is the earliest photograph that shows the original Grand Trunk Railway grounds on the south side of the main line in Brockville. Later the present joint or union station was created on the north side of the tracks to also serve the Brockville & Ottawa Railway. On the left is a corner of the stone GTR Station. Note the early gas lamp under the roof overhang. The building in the background is the northern projection of a large wooden, cross-shaped Engine House which shows on early maps of this area, just west of William St. Looking carefully, you will see two eastbound wood-burning locomotives complete with tenders loaded with cordwood. Lining the platform in front of these engines is a crowd of people posing for the photographer. They are overlooking the formal garden between the two buildings. Two gentlemen and two ladies are standing on the garden path.

Sources: A copy of this photograph was published in the 1906 souvenir magazine put out by the Brockville Recorder on the occasion of the Old Boys Re-union held from July 28th to August 3rd, 1906. The caption under the photo reads “The old Grand Trunk Station at the head of Buell Street, and the arrival of the first GTR train.” This may be true, making it one of the oldest recorded photograph taken this early (1855). The souvenir publication mentioned is one of the most valuable records of Brockville history, as it contains hundreds of unique scenes and portraits from the period and before.

Canada’s Grand Trunk Railway

There were a few pioneering efforts in Canada before 1850 to establish small, dedicated-use rail lines, but by that time there was only 55 miles of rail in the Province of Canada.The Grand Trunk Railway of Canada was incorporated in 1852 following the passage of “An act to make provision for the construction of a main trunk line of railway throughout the whole length of this province” in 1851. The company established to manage this project was almost entirely financed by British interests, and the major contractor, Peto, Brassey, Betts and Jackson were experienced railway builders in England.

Samuel Keefer, a civil engineer, then living in Brockville.

A line route was surveyed by Brockville civil engineer Samuel Keefer initially from Montreal to Toronto a distance of approx. 333 miles, After a series of hearings it was decided to build a single line track based on the new and wider “provincial” gauge of 5’-6”. It was argued that comfort of seating, and decreased side to side motion would be one of the positive results. In addition, the GTR would be joining with the already wide gauge line at Montreal of the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railway.

Brockville was fortunate to be chosen as the first division point from the Montreal end. This point was necessary for regular engine servicing which at that time was required after each locomotive had traveled about 100+ miles. The local economy gained immensely by this decision as special facilites and housing for the train crews was needed.

Keefer was also hired in 1853 to superintend the construction of the line. By November 1855, rails had been completed from Montreal to Brockville, and the new locomotives were tried on this stretch as shown in the photograph. The following year saw the completion of rail construction as far as Toronto.

The far western portion from Toronto to Sarnia was opened in 1860. By that time the new GTR was hopelessly mired in financial difficulties, owing at one time over 800,000 Pounds to their creditors in England.

The Government of Canada continued to sink public funds into the operation and attempted to pay off its debts in 1862 with the passage of the “Grand Trunk Arrangements Act”. The public found this distasteful and for a period the railway was very unpopular. Eventually the beneficial results of a modern means of transportation were recognized in the country, and the rail system expanded to meet the needs.

[Any photographs on this site can be viewed full size in a separate window by double clicking on the picture on the page until you reach the enlarged version further into the system]

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Filed under Historical Buildings, Historical Photograph, Railways

Tags: Canada, Depor, Gardens, GTR, Historic Buildings, Railway