Spanish Town railway station

Spanish Town railway station opened in 1845 and closed in 1992 when all passenger services in Jamaica abruptly ceased.[1] It provided rail services to Kingston and Montego Bay, Port Antonio, Ewarton and New Works. It was 11.75 miles (18.91 km) from the Kingston terminus.[2] It is on the list of designated National Heritage Sites in Jamaica.

Spanish Town
General information
Coordinates17°59′25″N 76°57′19″W / 17.990310°N 76.955355°W / 17.990310; -76.955355
Owned byJamaica Railway Corporation
Line(s)Kingston to Montego Bay main line
Spanish Town to Ewarton branch line
Bog Walk to Port Antonio branch line
Linstead to New Works branch line
PlatformsSingle, two sided platform
TracksTwo
History
Opened1845
Closed1992-10[1]
Location
Spanish Town is located in Jamaica
Spanish Town
Spanish Town
Location in Jamaica

Architecture

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The station was built in 1845 in Jamaica Georgian style from brick on a stone base.[3] The roof overhang is supported by timber posts in wall mounted cast iron brackets on its northern side and by wall mounted timber brackets on its southern side.[3] It has sash windows, solid recessed panel doors and a long zinc hip roof.[3]

 
Spanish Town sign on southern platform, May 2021

In 2003 it was reported as being in "very poor condition" and "in need of major repairs".[4]

Track layout

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In addition to the station and its single, twin sided platform there were sidings, an engine shed and a junction between the Kingston to Montego Bay main line and the Spanish Town to Ewarton branch.[5]

Fares

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In 1910 the third class fare from Spanish Town to Kingston was 1/- (one shillings); first class was about double.[6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "The rise and fall of railways in Jamaica, 1845-1975". Journal of Transport History: 18. March 2003.
  2. ^ "Table 3.5 Mileage for JRC Stations, Halts & Sidings in relation to the Kingston Railway Terminus" (PDF). Annual Transport Statistics Report: Jamaica in Figures 2003-2004. Ministry of Transport and Works. July 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 March 2013.
  3. ^ a b c "Spanish Town Railway Station". Jamaica National Heritage Trust. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
  4. ^ "Table 3.4 Location and Condition of Railway Stations" (PDF). Annual Transport Statistics Report: Jamaica in Figures 2003-2004. Ministry of Transport and Works. July 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 March 2013.
  5. ^ UK Directorate of Overseas Surveys 1:50,000 map of Jamaica, Sheet L (1966).
  6. ^ "1910 Directory". Jamaican Family Search Genealogy Research Library. 2006.
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