In A Newport Minute | 1866-1875

This video is the 10th in our series, In A Newport Minute, created by the Newport Historical Society as part of Newport’s contribution to America Turns 250. Each installment highlights a moment in American history within a ten‑year span, beginning in 1776 and continuing to the present day.

Across these 25 short videos, we’ll explore how Newport grew, adapted, and evolved alongside the nation—sometimes in step with national events, sometimes in its own unique way. Our goal is to bring local history to life and show how our community’s story fits into the larger American narrative.

We invite you to follow along every two weeks as we share new chapters in Newport’s past.

Overview

The video recounts Newport’s railroad arrival and its transformative effects from 1871–1872, highlighting the Train Heritage Mural and the establishment of Railroad Square. It chronicles depot construction, fire in 1897, and the rebuilt depot that endures at Depot Street’s base.

It details the railroad’s economic and social influence—jobs, industries, commerce, travel rituals, wartime farewells—and traces decline through 1955–1977, culminating in the rail corridor’s conversion to a multiuse trail and adaptive reuse of the depot.

All of the videos in the series can be viewed using the link below:

Sources:

• The Heritage Mural Booklet, Published by Library Arts Center, 2023
• Newport Historical Society Archives (Photos) 
• Richards’ Free Library Digital Archives (newspapers)

Key Words:

Newport, Main Street, Bradford, Claremont, Concord, Railroad Square, Newport Fire Department, Depot Street, Krans Department Store, Peerless Manufacturing Co, Dorr Woolen, Richards’ Woolen, McElwain Shoe, Newport House, Eagle Block, American Express, Lily Pond, Boston, Soldiers Monument, Sunapee Granite Works, Common, George’s Woodworking Shop, Hospital Thrift Shop, Urgent Care Center, The Kids’ Place, Newport Chamber of Commerce

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