Could the figure be passenger miles? In 1858,there were approximately
27,000 miles of railroads in the US. Dividing your figure by 27000
provides a much more realistic figure.

Consider that the RR was a major form of local, as well as long
distance, travel.  It sure beat the alternatives!

Tom

David Minor wrote:
>
> York Staters,
>
> According to French's Gazetteer of 1860 in the fiscal year ending September
> 30, 1858, New York State trains had carried 43,786,579 passengers. If I'm
> reading the report correctly, that's a lot of people. Does anyone else have
> any thoughts on the accuracy of that count?