Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Co. Letter signed by Sam Sloan - 1868 dated Autograph

Letter on Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Company letterhead signed by Sam Sloan. Nice!

Samuel Sloan (December 25, 1817 – September 22, 1907), born in Ireland and raised in New York, was a prominent 19th-century railroad magnate. He is best known for his transformative 32-year leadership as president of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad (DL&W). Sloan transitioned from a successful 25-year career in importing and a term in the New York State Senate to become one of the nation’s most respected transportation executives.

Under his guidance from 1867 to 1899, the DL&W evolved from a minor line into a highly profitable powerhouse. Sloan’s leadership was instrumental in dominating the transport of anthracite coal and developing popular passenger routes to the Pocono Mountains.

Sloan’s influence extended beyond the Lackawanna. He was an ally of J.P. Morgan and a founding figure of what is now Citibank. He served as president of 17 different railroad corporations and held directorships in 33 companies, including Western Union and the Farmers’ Loan and Trust Company.

Known for his conservative fiscal management and integrity, Sloan avoided the “robber baron” reputation of contemporaries like Jay Gould. He maintained high stock values and infrastructure standards until his retirement as chairman. Sloan passed away in 1907 at his estate in Garrison, New York, leaving behind a legacy as a foundational architect of the American rail system.

The Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Company (DL&W), commonly referred to as the “Road of Anthracite,” was a prominent Class 1 railroad that established a crucial connection between Hoboken, New Jersey, and Buffalo, New York. Established in 1853 through the amalgamation of several smaller railroads, including the Liggett’s Gap Railroad and the Delaware & Cobb’s Gap Railroad, its primary objective was the transportation of anthracite coal from northeastern Pennsylvania to New York City markets. During the extended tenure of Samuel Sloan (1867–1899), the company experienced significant prosperity and was among the original 11 companies included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 1884.

The railroad pioneered engineering advancements, constructing colossal structures such as the Tunkhannock Viaduct, which stands as the world’s largest concrete arch bridge. Furthermore, it introduced the innovative “Phoebe Snow” advertising campaign, which promoted its soot-free passenger service. However, a post-World War II decline in coal demand, substantial New Jersey taxes, and severe damage sustained during Hurricane Diane in 1955 compelled the DL&W to merge with its rival, the Erie Railroad, in 1960. This amalgamation resulted in the formation of the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, which was subsequently absorbed by Conrail in 1976. Presently, as of 2026, portions of its historic network continue to serve as significant commuter and freight arteries under the management of NJ Transit and Norfolk Southern.

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