Decades ago, the town of Hamilton, N.Y. was known not only for Colgate University but also as a stopping point along the New York, Ontario and Western Railway, commonly known as the O&W. Trains passed through the town each day, along the tracks that were located near what is now the Hamilton Fire Station. One day in September 1955, Hamilton became the site of a train wreck that would change local history.
Barreling ahead, the train — which was carrying a load of Nestlé chocolate — came to a switch in the tracks. While it should have been headed along the main line, someone had flipped the switch, changing the direction of the train and sending it towards a coal trestle. Despite the conductors applying the brakes, the train did not stop in time, supposedly flying through the air for 150 feet — farther than the Wright brothers’ first flight — before crashing to the ground. While no one on the train was seriously injured, thousands of bars of chocolate sprayed out from the train on impact, leaving delicious candy scattered throughout the wreckage just waiting to be collected by Hamilton residents. After the wreck, the train’s crew was honored as members of the O&W’s new “Flying Diesel Corps” — created just to commemorate the crash.
While the story of the Chocolate Train Wreck begins in September 1955, the legacy of this iconic local event lives on in the hearts of Hamilton residents, even after 69 years. The tracks have since been removed, and the site has been turned into a walking trail that is open to the public, but the memory of the crash is still visible. Working closely with the town, local resident Art Zimmer — who recalls living in Hamilton at the time of the wreck and filling his pockets with chocolate candy as a young boy — has cleaned up the site for public use and preserved a portion of the train tracks, which can still be visited today. On Sept. 29, Zimmer hosted a commemoration of the Chocolate Train Wreck, which included a presentation explaining its history and restoration, as well as a walk along the rail trail to the site of the accident.
One of the most impressive aspects of this event is the care that has gone into its commemoration since it occurred. The area is well-maintained and features a carefully crafted sign with photos and information on the history of the crash.
Senior Campbell Mecke emphasized why this preservation is so special to Hamilton.
“I think people don’t place enough importance on historical restoration in this town because it’s just a small town in upstate New York, but that’s why we should be placing more emphasis on it […]. This historical site is so unique. There aren’t many other historical events like it,” Mecke said.
Senior Grace McCaghey attended Zimmer’s presentation, which was her first time visiting the site of the Chocolate Train Wreck.
“Going to this presentation reminded me that each town has their own little pieces of history that unite the community,” McCaghey said.
The Hamilton community certainly sees this as a major piece of local history that ties them all together. Among the crowd gathered to celebrate the anniversary of the wreck, most were locals who wished to learn more about and reflect on the history of their town.
The rail trail that the wreckage site has been transformed into is a popular spot for Hamilton locals and Colgate students alike. Nestled amongst the trees, this path is a peaceful spot to take a walk or run and reflect on the town’s history.
Senior Claire DeMore often walks along the trail, taking in the beauty of the spot.
“I love walking along the Chocolate Train Wreck trail. I first started coming here on walks, but after discovering the significance of the spot, I have really enjoyed learning more about the wreck,” DeMore said.
Aside from the Chocolate Train Wreck site itself, the Hamilton Public Library has dedicated a room to commemorating the event, including a diorama of the wreck itself. Visitors to either location can discover a trove of information on the lasting legacy of this monumental wreck.
Visitors are asked to be mindful of site’s history and the work that has gone into restoring and preserving this space.
“If you’re going to visit the Chocolate Train Wreck, please practice respect. This is a really important space and it would be a shame to see its popularity be the end of it,” Mecke said.
