This collection consists of a plan of Murray River south of the river showing the line and property of the railway. The plan also includes names of other property owners and locations of various buildings and businesses.

In April 1871, the Prince Edward Island Legislature approved the Railroad Construction Bill which authorized construction of a railroad throughout the Island. The financial burden of such an undertaking was one of the major considerations for joining Confederation two years later. Somewhat erratic service was provided by the contractors until the railroad was turned over to Thomas Swinyard, Dominion Government Commissioner in December 1874. Trains running according to an established timetable began in April 1875 from Charlottetown to Summerside, Georgetown, and Souris return and from Summerside to Tignish. The branch line to Murray Harbour and intermediate stations was apparently laid around the turn of the century although rail connection with Charlottetown was not established until the Hillsborough Bridge was completed late in 1905. The line was resurveyed in 1915.