Erastus Corning Signature — Rutland & Washington Railroad Bond (1852) $1,000

A scarce 1852 Rutland & Washington Railroad bond issued for $1,000, hand-signed by Erastus Corning as Trustee on the reverse. This historic document highlights Corning’s pivotal role in early American rail finance and the formation of the New York Central lineage.

Historical note: In October 1850, Rutland & Washington Railroad operated its first passenger cars, including a memorable trip to the Rutland County Agricultural Fair. The bond certificate reflects the era’s finance and infrastructure development that underpinned Northeast transportation and commerce.

The Rutland & Washington Railroad bond also ties into the broader railroad era being Jay Gould’s first investment in a railroad in 1860, and underscores Corning’s broader strategy to connect Albany and Buffalo through a series of mergers that culminated in the Consolidation Act of 1853 and the creation of the New York Central Rail Road Company.

Historical Context & Provenance

Erastus Corning led efforts to merge several railroads to create a continuous Albany-to-Buffalo route. The Consolidation Act of April 22, 1853 allowed these mergers, forming what would become the New York Central Rail Road Company, with Corning as majority shareholder and later President. The line’s corporate evolution contributed to the mid-19th-century transportation network that powered regional growth.

Display & Collectibility

• Rare 19th-century railroad bond emphasizing Erastus Corning’s signature
• Ideal for display in offices, history libraries, museums, or railroad-heritage collections
• Engaging centerpiece for collectors of American railroad finance and corporate mergers

Specifications