Billerica and Bedford Railroad

When the Massachusetts towns of Bedford and Billerica clamored for a railroad, George E. Mansfield appeared on the scene and sold them on a new, inexpensive way to build one. He finished the line in 1877 and it was acclaimed around the world as a brilliant new departure in railroad building. The Billerica and Bedford Railroad delivered everything its promoter said it would but, yet it failed financially in less than a year. What happened to cause this failure? Using original railroad documents and letters along with newspaper and trade journal articles, the author delves into the behind-the-scenes machinations that plagued this 8? mile line. The backgrounds of the people involved are explored to determine their goals and motivations. Numerous drawings of the railroad rolling stock and structures are included along with examinations of the technical aspects of line which made it so revolutionary. George Mansfield went on to build the Sandy River Railroad as well as the Bridgton and Saco