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Home > Archives > Service inaugural at Niagara Falls, N.Y., 1978.

Service inaugural at Niagara Falls, N.Y., 1978.

Black and white photograph showing crowds listening to speeches during a ceremony marking the return of passenger rail to Niagara Falls, N.Y.; image dates to October 1978.

Service inaugural at Niagara Falls, N.Y., 1978.

Niagara Falls, N.Y., lost passenger rail service in April 1961, and it was not restored until October 1978 through financial support from the state. Amtrak initially served the city by the Niagara Rainbow (New York-Albany-Detroit) and the Empire State Express (New York-Albany-Niagara Falls).

According to the November 1978 issue of Amtrak NEWS, more than 500 people turned out on October 29 for the inaugural ceremonies. They took place at the former Lehigh Valley Railroad freight building (behind the speakers' platform), which was refurbished for use as an Amtrak station.

The event included speeches by Congressman John LaFalce; William C. Hennessy, commissioner, New York Department of Transportation; and Niagara Falls Mayor Michael O'Loughlin. The Viking High School Marching Band from Grand Island, N.Y., played musical selections, and Amtrak provided refreshments. Concluding the ceremony was the arrival of the eastbound Niagara Rainbow, greeted by cheering crowds.

Photographer: Unknown for Amtrak. From the Amtrak Corporate Collection.