The Sodus Point and Southern Rail Road Company was incorporated on March 19, 1852 under the general law of New York State. The railroad was not finished until January 16, 1873, when it opened between Sodus Point and Gorham. It became apparent that a connection at Gorham would not soon be forthcoming, and the line between Gorham and the Elmira, Jefferson & Canandaigua RR connection at Stanley was abandoned on February 16, 1873. The Sodus Point & Southern RR was sold at foreclosure on September 21, 1875 and reorganized on November 30, 1875 as the Ontario Southern Railroad Company.