Shawmont Station

SEPTA announced at a Shawmont Community meeting, that they are acknowleging local architectural and financial support for a proper restoration of Shawmont Station. Future use is pending. Measures have been taken to better secure the building. Grounds are cleaned-up and a new heating system was installed to prevent further deterioration. The building pre-dates the railroad to 1826, according to deeds. Actual build date will have to be confirmed via Schuylkill Navigation Co. records. It is the only surviving multi-use building which facilitated the Pennsylvania Improvement Project of Canals, Roads and Railroads, written by William Strickland in the late 1820's. It was purchased by Henry Croskey, Lumber and Railroad Merchant in February of 1835. Croskey owned much of the acherage surrounding the Station and is said to have named; "Green Tree Run", "Green Tree Lane" and 'Green Tree Station". Croskey sold the well-established station to the Railroad in 1857. Croskey also became President of the Ridge Avenue Railway upon its opening in 1874. The name "Green Tree Station" was changed to "Shawmont Station " in 1873, years after inventor Thomas Shaw moved into Henry Croskey's residence and had invented several improvements for the Railroad. A history page will be posted on the internet as well as an updated historic video, in months to come.

I confirmed and notified SEPTA, that the Station was built in 1826, as a country vacation home belonging to Nathan Nathans, Esq., who tried to sue the Railroad in 1834, lost, and then sold it to Lumber and Railroad merchant, Henry Croskey in 1835, who named it "Green Tree Station". It can been seen with its nearby docking area on an 1827 Schuylkill Navigation Company Map, #101, at the PA State Archives. Not only is it the oldest passenger station in the United States, it is the oldest building owned by any railroad, in the world. Thank You for all your support, John Johnstone

Here's a photo from an 1827 Schuylkill Navigation map. The Station and its grounds are outlined, facing the turnpike before tracks were put in and bordering a towpath and boat house.

Here is the URL for a new Shawmont Historical Webpage, which I wrote for Philanet. At the top-left of the page, there is a "photo gallery" tab. Click on that to see several associated photos, some of which have never been seen before on the internet.

http://philanet.com/Philadelphia/railro ... ation.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Enjoy & share!

Thank You,

John M. Johnstone