Callicoon owes much of its history and lasting legacy to the railroad. In 1848, the Erie Railroad built its Delaware Division through the Upper Delaware Valley, reaching Callicoon and officially opening in 1851, connecting the Great Lakes region with New York City and other destinations on the east coast.

The railroad’s arrival transformed Callicoon into a transportation hub, bringing both visitors and goods. 

The railroad brought new residents, especially German immigrants who settled in the Beechwoods above Callicoon. Farmers could now ship milk, produce, livestock and other goods to distant markets. Merchants received manufactured products more easily, and visitors could travel to the region by train.

Integral to train travel was the Callicoon Depot; the original station was built after the railroad arrived, but it was destroyed by fire in November 1895. The current depot was constructed in 1896-97 and remains one of the best-preserved Erie Railroad stations in the region.

In fact, the town used to be known as Callicoon Depot. In 1906, the Post Office dropped “Depot” from the official name, becoming just Callicoon.

Like many railroad towns, Callicoon’s economy changed during the 20th century as automobiles and trucks replaced rail travel and freight service. The businesses and communities that had flourished because of the railroad faced new challenges.

The last passenger cars went through the river valley in the 1970’s; the railway continues today although no people are on board. It delivers freight every other day, going through Callicoon at around 10 p.m. 

It’s evident how much the railroad still means to people today: when we posted about the special excursion of the NYSW Railway (see story on page 1A) on our Facebook page, it garnered many comments from people expressing a desire to see the passenger train return and sharing memories of family members using the train to visit from New York City. 

Plans are underway by Callicoon Depot Inc., a non-profit organization, to restore the depot building into a visitors center, working with the Callicoon Business Association and the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway Association to establish a town square and community center.

We look forward to seeing history come back to life.