Accomodation Stage
Original
Background Notes
New England’s highway system in 1840 was still the best in the United States, although far below the standards of such advanced countries as England and France. The best roads were in eastern Massachusetts and in the vicinity of Hartford, Providence, and other large towns. These were in good condition nearly all year except for short periods during the early spring and fall. The worst roads may have been in Maine, where it was reported in 1832, “the communication is uniformly good only for a few months in summer, and a few weeks in the winter.” According to the same account, however, New England roads were considered “generally fine,” [and] are thronged with stage coaches, most of which are good.”
Transcription of Primary Source
PROVIDENCE AND SOUTHBRIDGE, Accommodation Stage.
A Stage will leave the Manufacturers Hotel, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 11 o’clock, A.M. and arrive at Fishersville Depot in time to meet the Cars for Worcester and Norwich, passing the villages of Greenville, Chepachet, Thompson, Masonville, Fishersville, and from thence to New-Boston and Southbridge.
Returning, Will leave Southbridge Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at 6 o’clock, A.M. and arrive at Fishersville Depot in time for the morning Cars for Worcester, and Norwich, and arrive at Providence at 1 o’clock, P.M., in time for the Boston, Taunton, and New Bedford Cars, and the Woonsocket, Pawtucket, Bristol, Warwick, and Coventry Stages.
Passengers, For Killingly, Pomfret, Woodstock, Dudley, Webster, Oxford, Charlton, Sturbridge, Brimfield, Munson, and Palmer, can be accommodated by this Line, cheaper than by any other Line.
Passengers wishing to go to any of the above named places, will find it to their advantage to call on the subscriber at the Manufacturers Hotel, Providence.
J.M. KENSIE, Driver.