The railway was originally chartered in 1864 to help facilitate transportation between New Haven and the Naugatuck Valley.
Although construction did not begin until 1867, there were several delays including one contractor quitting due to plans to extend the line past Derby into Ansonia.
Nevertheless, the first full train of "proper New Haven citizens" arrived in Ansonia in August of 1871. Stations were built in Orange, Tyler City, Derby, and Ansonia.
The railway ceased operations in 1941. Although most of the tracks and infrastructure were torn up, there are still remnants of it around Connecticut.
The abutment of one of its trestles remains on Derby-Milford Road in Orange.
Thanks go to Derby Public Library staff for sharing this interesting local history.
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