Trains.com

"D&H Bridge Line" Looking for info on Iron Ore Mining in the Adirondack Mountains

1083 views
6 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    May 2022
  • 101 posts
"D&H Bridge Line" Looking for info on Iron Ore Mining in the Adirondack Mountains
Posted by anglecock on Monday, June 20, 2022 11:07 AM

From what I understood is that the D&H nickname of the "Bridge Line" was that there was very little traffic between Albany and Montreal and that the D&H acted as a N/S connector between American Railroads in Albany and Canadian Railroads in Montreal.. But after 25 years of driving and riding up this line that was not always the case.  The Adirondacks was  a huge source of traffic in that Ore Jenny trains moved of out huge strip mines in Star Lake and Lyons New York. Plus there were a dozen papersmills up here. The Androndacks. I also found a resource called the Diggings to look up some of these old mines-The Diggings™: Free Mining Claim Maps And Reports and also this Map here of the Androndacks railroads-Map-of-Adirondack-Railroad-created-by-Jane-Mackintosh-courtesy-Adirondack-Experiance-scaled.jpg (870×1024) (newyorkalmanack.com)

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 24,858 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, June 20, 2022 7:51 PM

Any such activity in the Adirondacks will likely come under the scrutiny of the Adirondack Park Agency.  Things within the "Blue Line" are pretty heavily regulated.

The rail line to Benson Mines was recently rehabilitated, with hopes for restoring some level of traffic.  Then, one of the potential sources of traffic, a paper mill, sold all of its equipment.  Talk of hauling tailings out has so far been for naught.

There has also been talk of hauling tailings out from Tahawus, but nothing has materialized there.

I wouldn't hold my breath on any new development.  The "forever wild" crowd will likely have nothing to do with it.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    May 2022
  • 101 posts
Posted by anglecock on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 2:30 PM

New York State is one of the highest taxed state in the country but it is sitting on one of the greatest natural resources reserves in the world aka the Adirondacks which has Titanium,Lumber,Fresh Water,Hydropower and Rare Earths.

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,476 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 10:06 AM

anglecock

New York State is one of the highest taxed state in the country but it is sitting on one of the greatest natural resources reserves in the world aka the Adirondacks which has Titanium,Lumber,Fresh Water,Hydropower and Rare Earths.

 
Sounds like the so-called Wise Use movement in the West in the late 1970's which basically opposed environmentalists of any kind.
The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 24,858 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 12:36 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH
Sounds like the so-called Wise Use movement in the West in the late 1970's which basically opposed environmentalists of any kind.

"Forever Wild" is codified in NYS law (and possibly in the state constitution).  It took three or four years to get a new (and much needed) public safety radio tower approved.

Environmental advocates are a powerful political force there.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,325 posts
Posted by Overmod on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 1:12 PM

Branches of the Rockefeller family own an enormous percentage of Adirondack land.  

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 24,931 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 2:48 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH
 
anglecock

New York State is one of the highest taxed state in the country but it is sitting on one of the greatest natural resources reserves in the world aka the Adirondacks which has Titanium,Lumber,Fresh Water,Hydropower and Rare Earths. 

Sounds like the so-called Wise Use movement in the West in the late 1970's which basically opposed environmentalists of any kind.

Considering how West Virginia has been mined since its creation, I am surprised there are still mountains within the confines of the state.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy