Balaclava railway station opened in 1892 and closed in 1992. It served the small town of Balaclava on the Kingston to Montego Bay line and was from the Kingston terminus.Table 3.5 Mileage for JRC Stations, Halts & Sidings in relation to the Kingston Railway Terminus , Annual Transport Statistics Report: Jamaica in Figures 2003-2004, Ministry of Transport and Works, July 2005.
It was built of timber in the Jamaican Georgian architectural style.Balaclava Railway Station, Jamaica National Heritage Trust. The upper of the two stories has a gable end roof; an adjoining hip roof has a downward fishtail fretwork on its eaves. The building has sash windows and recessed panel timber doors.
It is on the list of designated National Heritage Sites in Jamaica.
Opening From the Daily Gleaner of March 24, 1892:Balaclava in 1892, thephangsisters.moonfruit.com.
Fares In 1910 the third class fare from Balaclava to Kingston was 5/6 (five shillings and sixpence); first class was about double.1910 Directory, Jamaican Family Search Genealogy Research Library, 2006.
Accident A serious derailment occurred at this station on July 30, 1938 killing 32 and injuring 70.Jamaica Gleaner, Pieces of the Past, Tragedy at Kendal - 1957, bullet point 6 under the subheading "Jamaica's Railway History"
Current use Since 1992 the station buildings have been leased to a small, local woodwork shop. In 2003 it was reported as being in "deplorable condition" and "in need of major repairs".Table 3.4 Location and Condition of Railway Stations , Annual Transport Statistics Report: Jamaica in Figures 2003-2004, Ministry of Transport and Works, July 2005. In April 2021 a fire destroyed the main structure.
See also Railway stations in Jamaica Balaclava, Jamaica
External links Aerial view. Photos: Balaclava station (excellent), Balaclava station (small), Accident memorial, Inscription on accident memorial. Examples of the station's postmark.
References