Peter Dearness, a businessman, educator, and shortline railroader, who had a hand in founding the Massachusetts Central Railroad in 1975, approached the State of New Hampshire with a bid to operate the trackage with his newly formed New England Southern Railroad. The railroad was incorporated first in Nevada on December 22, 1981. (Dearness had been out of state working with Kenneth Coombs on the Cadillac & Lake City Rwy.
Peter Dearness, a businessman and educator, who helped found the Massachusetts Central Railroad in 1975, approached the State of New Hampshire to manage its rail lines under his new company, the New England Southern Railroad. The railroad was formally established in Nevada on December 22, 1981. (Dearness had collaborated with Kenneth Coombs on the Cadillac & Lake City Rwy.