During the 19th century, railroads became primary arteries for transporting the public over long distances, but the rise of automobiles, improved road building, new technology, and additional highways led many passenger railroads into decline as people gained the freedom to drive almost anywhere at any time, renewing America’s quest for a new frontier on the open road, like the Lincoln Highway. Between 1854 and 1857, the Gettysburg Railroad was built to link Hanover to Gettysburg by way of New Oxford, and President Abraham Lincoln used this line to travel to Gettysburg, where he delivered his famous address on November 19, 1863. The line was eventually acquired by the Western Maryland Railroad, which built the station in 1892. Passenger service ended during World War II, and the train made its last run on September 24, 1965. In 1966, the station was transferred to the Borough of New Oxford and is now leased by the Conewago Valley Model Railroad Club.