Bolton Cut Connecticut Train No. 190 Wreck Around Curve Real Photo Postcard

The image depicts the aftermath of a derailment involving steam locomotive #490 and its tender, which has come off the tracks and tilted dramatically within a rock cut. Several individuals, dressed in attire typical of the early 20th century, observe the scene, highlighting the public attention such incidents garnered. The visible railway signal post suggests a functioning line in a developed, though perhaps rugged, railway corridor.

This incident reflects the operational realities of North American railways during the era of steam power, likely between the 1900s and 1920s. Despite rapid expansion and vital role in commerce and passenger travel, rail transport faced frequent challenges, including derailments caused by track conditions, mechanical failures, or human error. Such events were not uncommon and underscore the inherent risks and substantial engineering efforts required to maintain the extensive railway networks of the period.