The Wood River Branch Railroad should not have survived.

Built in the aftermath of a deadly train wreck and during the Panic of 1873, the line spent decades fighting for its life.

Fires destroyed its largest customers. Floods washed out its tracks. Economic collapse nearly ended it more than once.

And yet, each time, the communities along the Wood River found a way to keep it running.

In this episode of Forgotten Railroads of Rhode Island, we explore:
- The 1909 fire that devastated the railroad’s biggest industry
- The Great Flood of 1927 and its destruction along the line
- The surprising individuals who saved the railroad from abandonment
- And the final event that brought the Wood River Branch to an end

This is Part 2 of a two-part series.

To learn more about the history of Rhode Island visit www.storyofrhodeisland.com

*For an ideal viewing experience, I recommend watching this episode on The Story of Rhode Island YouTube channel.