First NSW railway line opened, 1855
On 26 September 1855 the first railway line in NSW was opened.
The 22km 'Great Trunk Line' operated from Sydney (Redfern) to Parramatta with stations at Newtown, Ashfield, Burwood, Homebush and Parramatta Junction at Granville.
The Sydney terminal was on the south side of Devonshire Street, just south of the current location of Central Station. In its first full year of operation over 350,000 passengers used the new rail service.
Source: Transport Sydney Trains. (2021). History of the NSW railways
The day was pretty generally observed as a holiday, all the public offices, the banks, and most of the shops being closed. The flag-staff and the ships in harbour were gaily dressed with bunting, and flags were displayed at various points on the chief lines of route, and at the railway station.
Empire. (1855). Opening of the Sydney and Parramatta railway
The engine driver and fireman on the first journey
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