The Railway Arrives

In 1881, after years of debate, the Government of Newfoundland awarded the first contract for the construction of the Newfoundland Railway. The railway would have a lasting effect on communities such as Arnold’s Cove, which had previously been accessible primarily by water.

By 1891, the railway line had reached Arnold’s Cove. The new station connected the community with other parts of the island and became an important stop for travellers arriving from communities throughout Placentia Bay.

Travelling by train was still a significant expense. In 1893, the 42-mile journey from Arnold’s Cove to Whitbourne cost $1.25 in first class or 80 cents in second class. Children under twelve travelled for half price, while one child under five, carried by a parent or guardian, could travel free. By 1899, a journey from St. John’s to Arnold’s Cove cost $3.00 in first class or $2.00 in second class.

The railway created employment and encouraged new families to settle near the station. The area became known as Arnold’s Cove Station and grew to include families such as the Pritchards, Roses, Lynches, Warrens, Culletons, Hayes and Bollards.

Most of the families were Roman Catholic and initially travelled to Southern Harbour to attend church. In 1929, St. Christopher’s Roman Catholic Chapel was constructed at Arnold’s Cove Station. The chapel also served as a classroom for local children until the end of the Second World War.

The station continued to connect Arnold’s Cove with the rest of Newfoundland and remained a railway terminal until the railway closed during the 1980s.