Over the two decades of the 19th century, Providence's manufacturing economy experienced rapid growth, outpacing the infrastructure needed to distribute these goods to domestic markets. To address this problem, companies like the Boston and Providence Railroad and Providence and Worcester Railroad. While the Boston and Providence railroad located their Rhode Island terminus in the peripheral Fox Point neighborhood, the Providence and Worcester Railroad fought considerably to establish a rail terminal in Providence's commercial center.
During the 19th century, Providence's manufacturing sector experienced rapid growth, but it outpaced its ability to deliver goods to local markets. To address this issue, companies such as the Boston and Providence Railroad and the Providence and Worcester Railroad were formed. The Boston and Providence railroad ultimately chose a location for their Rhode Island terminal in the outskirts of Fox Point, while the Providence and Worcester Railroad struggled to establish a rail terminal in the heart of Providence's commercial district.