through the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts by steam on the Boston and Albany Railroad

Some picturesque colored steam action postcards from about a century ago. The Western Division of the Boston and Albany through the Berkshire Hills opened in sections from both ends:- from the state line to Pittsfield on 4 May 1841, West Springfield to Chester on 24 May 1841, Springfield to West Springfield (across the Connecticut River) on 4 July 1841, Pittsfield to "Summit" 9 August 1841, and Chester to Summit on 13 September 1841. The first train ran along the full route on 4 October 1841.