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Choosing the Route

The choice of the route the train would take from Oak Bluffs through Edgartown to Katama was was a big debate. Some wanted the route to go inland and west of Sengekontacket Pond, while others wanted the route to go down Nantucket Sound along the beach parallel to the Edgartown - Oak Bluffs road.

The reason some people wanted the route to go west of Sengekontacket Pond was that they were concerned that the train would frighten all of the horses that travel along the Edgartown - Oak Bluffs road. Others wanted it to travel along the beach because it offered a magnificent view, was shorter, and less expensive. Since the main reason for some people not wanting the beach route was the engine scaring the horses it was decided to get a "dummy "Engine.

The train track as it leaves the Steamship wharf and heads to Edgartown along the beach.

Photo courtesy of The Stan Lair Collection

 

Photo taken from Tracing the Route of the Martha's Vineyard Railroad, by Walter Blackwell

This picture shows the switchback on the dock in Oak Bluffs. It was used like a three point turn to turn the train around.

Photo courtesy of the Stan Lair Collection

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