The original Rome and Watertown Railroad terminated in Cape Vincent, NY on the St. Lawrence River.

Branch lines reached what became resort towns along the St. Lawrence River at the end of the 19th century: Cape Vincent, Clayton and Ogdensburg.

In 20th century timetables for the New York Central Railroad (NYC), the line was referred to as the St. Lawrence Division.

Passengers for the branch splitting off the route at Philadelphia, New York for Ogdensburg changed at Syracuse.

[4][5] The last sleeping cars to and from New York City operated along the route in 1961, discontinued with the October schedule.

Along in the early 70's a man named Royal and one John Tobin were employed by the R., W. & O. railroad in running trains between Lewiston and Suspension Bridge.

It was his habit, when after having delivered his cars at the bridge, he was ready to return, to stand at the officer door and call out to his partner in stentorian tones.

"[10] Author Richard Palmer attributes it to a slang term for a slow local passenger train or way freight.

The Port Jervis Evening Gazette reported, "[w]hile the Hojack was backing down to the depot Wednesday afternoon a horse in a team attached to a wagon from the country got its foot fast between the rail and the bed of the track in a manner similar to that which a horse belonging to Thomas Cuddeback was ruined some time ago.