The Windsor Branch

The Windsor Branch

An important aspect of the history and operations of the DAR was the Windsor Branch. The Windsor branch was part of the Nova Scotia Railway built by the government of the colony of Nova Scotia between Halifax and Windsor and opened in 1858. The Windsor and Annapolis Railway was completed in 1869 and interchanged with the Nova Scotia Railway at Windsor. Some through passenger trains were run to and from Halifax. At Confederation in 1867 the Federal government assumed operation of the Nova Scotia Railway. In 1871 the Windsor and Annapolis fully leased the line between Windsor and Windsor Junction and operated it in return for 1/3 of the gross earnings paid to the federal government. The Windsor and Annapolis had a running rights agreement between Windsor Junction and Halifax station. The W&A spent considerable money on upgrading the Windsor Branch but ran into financial difficulties with its whole line. Amid controversy the lease agreement was terminated by the Government Railways on August 1, 1877. The lease was given to the Western Counties Railway, which was building a line between Yarmouth and Annapolis. The Western Counties Railway operated the line from September 24, 1877 until ------ more information to come.

References and Footnotes

History of the Dominion Atlantic Railway