Berkshire Street Railway construction album, 1901

Historical/Biographical Note

Historical/Biographical Note

In 1886, the Pittsfield Street Railway Company began horsecar operations in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. By 1891, the line was electrified and the company became known as The Pittsfield Electric Street Railway. Also in 1886, the Hoosac Valley Street Railway Company began horsecar operations in Adams and North Adams, Massachusetts. By 1889, the company had converted to electric streetcars. In 1901, the Berkshire Street Railway was founded. In 1905, the Berkshire Street Railway Company was acquired by the New England Investment and Security Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the larger New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. In 1910, the BErskhire Street Railway Company acquired the Pittsfield Street Railway Company and the Hoosac Valley Street Railway Company. Following these and other acquisitions, the company had lines operating across 134 miles of track in four states: Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, and Connecticut. Berkshire Street Railway Company continued operations in New England until 1932, when its ceased operations.