Rhode Island Trolleys

The history of the trolley in Rhode Island is a fascinating and intriguing subject. Rhode Island had one of the richest and most modern trolley systems in all of New England, with historic Providence as its nucleus. In 1865, a horsecar line began providing service from Market Square in Providence to Olneyville. The evolution from horse—drawn cars pulled along a track to the electrification of the system took many years. By 1895, almost all horse—drawn cars were replaced by a robust electric...