PHILLIPSBURG, NJ – In honor of 170 years of railroad history, Phillipsburg will host the first-ever Phillipsburg Railroad Festival to commemorate the date on September 10th from 11-5 pm. Celebrate 170 years of rail in Phillipsburg and the town’s prominence as a transportation hub this September at the first-ever Phillipsburg, N.J. Railroad Festival!
The first railroad to arrive in Phillipsburg was the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ), which opened on July 2, 1852.
The festival, which will have three walkable areas, kicks off at 11 am.
Area 1, Shappell Park and the surrounding area, with food and retail vendors and music. Also nearby will be the Centerville and Southwestern Railroad (a.k.a.The Becker Farm Railroad), a miniature train ride operated by the Phillipsburg Railroad Historians, and vintage buses on display from the Friends of the NJ Transportation Heritage Center.
Area 2, Phillipsburg Union Station, the former train station built in 1914. Currently, the station’s first floor will be open for tours under restoration. Nearby is the Phillipsburg Union Tower. The former CNJ railroad switch tower in Phillipsburg has been undergoing a full restoration since 2007, with plans to be open for tours.
Area 3, Delaware River Railroad Excursions location, where you can book a trip on The River Train or The Warren County Winery Train, beautiful rides on historic railroad equipment, including an operating steam locomotive. Come and discover Phillipsburg’s railroad heritage and celebrate 170 years of railroad history!