Loop track at Rockport MA?

Just poking around on Google Maps today, and noticed this as I scrolled along the Rockport branch in satelite photo mode:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Rockport+ ... &t=k&hl=en

This has to be an old railroad loop, so my question is, was it for turning commuter/passenger equipment, or was it a quarry or mine of some sort (in the pond in the middle?

(Note: The Rockport station is just north-northeast of the loop and pond (accurately named Loop Pond.)

Your first speculation is correct -- that loop in Rockport was used in steam days for turning commuter trains.

Thanks. Of course, this will probably just encourage me to waste more time with Google maps seeing what I can find!

That loop has been there for quite a while.....

http://historical.maptech.com/getImage. ... g&state=MA

If you are going to explore by map, you might do better starting with Maptech to see historically what used to be in the area first. That's how I find my most interesting old ROWs in New Jesey.

Have fun!

Bromley Maps are usually a pretty good source of this stuff too. Many towns have them in their municipal archives and the Massachusetts Land Court and Registries of Deeds have them available for public inspection.