Raritan River Railroad Freight Station

The Raritan River Railroad Freight Station is a one-story, utilitarian wood framed-structure, typical of station construction in the late 19th thru early 20th centuries. The Raritan River Railroad was incorporated in 1888 and had twelve miles of tracks and stations stretching across South Amboy, South River, Milltown, and New Brunswick. After passenger service ended in Milltown in 1938, changes were made along the line to handle freight trains. By 1980, the failing Raritan River Railroad was absorbed by Conrail. Conrail did not use the freight station, so it was scheduled for demolition. The owner of property adjacent to the station saved it from the wrecking ball when he purchased the building for use as a storage facility. Over the years, the building fell into disrepair. The station still sits on Washington Avenue, boarded, and locked up. Since 2011 the Milltown Historical Society and the Raritan River Railroad Historical Society have rekindled efforts to move and restore the borough's only train station, and the last existing Raritan River Railroad station. Preservation New Jersey applauds and supports both societies in their efforts to continue to seek grants and raise funds for preserving the resource. It is critical that all stakeholders work together to identify, develop, and implement strategies for the continued preservation and reuse of this unique local historic landmark for the benefit of the public.