New Brunswick’s early railroad history can be traced back to the McAdam NB Railroad Station, a National Historic Site and a New Brunswick Provincial Heritage Place. This heritage railway station is situated in McAdam, close to a United States border crossing.
Constructed in 1900, the McAdam NB Railroad Station is an impressive stone building from the turn of the century, reflecting the crucial role railroads played in Canada’s development as a nation. Ordered by Canadian Pacific Railway president Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, the chateau-style building once served over 15 passenger trains daily, transporting people to and from Atlantic Canada, the Eastern Seaboard States, and Western Canada.
Knowledgeable guides will regale you with tales, including the capture of a German spy just a few kilometers away, the commotion caused by Sir Winston Churchill during his visit to McAdam, and the captivating mystery of a murder in the waiting room. Visitors can explore a grand dining hall, telegraph station, mail and luggage areas, a diner, 17 guest rooms, dual waiting rooms, and even a jail cell. Don’t miss the auxiliary car on display in the Express Room. The site also features a man-made pond, originally constructed in 1900 to provide water for steam engines. Today, this pond is surrounded by a scenic walking path.
The railway is still operational, and it’s a common sight to witness freight trains passing by, reminiscent of the scenes from over a century ago. Historically, the McAdam Railway Station was renowned globally for its delightful homemade pies, which literary enthusiasts dubbed as ‘railroad pie’. In homage to this legacy, Railway Pie is still served at the McAdam Railway Station on sunny Sunday afternoons during the summer months.
The Station is operated and managed by the McAdam Historical Restoration Commission. It is an active museum offering tours, catered meals, conference facilities and much more.
The Station is also a Visitor Information Center.
A brief history of the McAdam Railway Station with former McAdam Mayor Frank Carroll.
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