---
title: Railroad Train Wreck in Rhode Island
author: L. Wright
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/22334/railroad-train-wreck-in-rhode-island/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2026-11-09
---

# Railroad Train Wreck in Rhode Island

_Authored by L. Wright_

## Image File

[![Railroad Train Wreck in Rhode Island](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/22334.jpeg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/22334.jpeg)

## Image Caption

*Train wreck on the Providence Worcester [Railroad](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Railroad/) near Pawtucket, Rhode Island,* photograph by L. Wright, 12 August 1853.

The early type of photograph, known as a daguerreotype, here shows the aftermath of a head-on collision of two trains that were sharing the same rail line and collided with each other due to one of the conductors' watches running behind and him unfortunately thinking there was enough time to pass safely.

George Eastman Museum, Rochester, NY.

## Cite This Work

### APA
Wright, L. (2026, November 09). Railroad Train Wreck in Rhode Island. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/22334/railroad-train-wreck-in-rhode-island/>
### Chicago
Wright, L.. "Railroad Train Wreck in Rhode Island." *World History Encyclopedia*, November 09, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/22334/railroad-train-wreck-in-rhode-island/>.
### MLA
Wright, L.. "Railroad Train Wreck in Rhode Island." *World History Encyclopedia*, 09 Nov 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/22334/railroad-train-wreck-in-rhode-island/>.

## License & Copyright

[![copyright source](/images/partners/wikipedia-small.png)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:L._Wright_-_Train_wreck_on_the_Providence_Worcester_Railroad_near_Pawtucket,_Rhode_Island_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg)Based on [Wikipedia](http://www.wikipedia.org/ "Wikipedia") content that has been reviewed, edited, and republished. [Original image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:L._Wright_-_Train_wreck_on_the_Providence_Worcester_Railroad_near_Pawtucket,_Rhode_Island_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg) by [**L. Wright**](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:L._Wright_-_Train_wreck_on_the_Providence_Worcester_Railroad_near_Pawtucket,_Rhode_Island_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg). Submitted by [Alex Ram](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/alexram/ "User Page: Alex Ram"), published on 09 November 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.