The names of companies are extremely important to this project. All cataloging is dependent on names. That is why the very first step, many years ago, was to try to compile the most extensive list of company names possible. Since that time, over 2,500 new names have emerged and they are being added all the time.

This is a nearly complete list of the sources that have provided names of railroads, railways, and any other companies that seem to have been related to railroading in some manner. (Personal communication sources are not listed here.)

In general, these sources of names fall into two main categories: historical references and existing documents.

Existing documents encompass every kind of document that bears a company name. Documents may include stocks, bonds, receipts, passes, tickets, paper money, and bills of lading. They may also include artifacts (or photographs) such as trains, cars, china, lanterns, calendars, and so forth. Unfortunately, these kinds of sources only offer one or two new names at a time.

Vast collections of names have come from historical references. Such references include books, magazines, and security-related publications such as Moody's and the Interstate Commerce Commision. Certain kinds of web sites are also valuable including those maintained by railroad companies and related historical societies.

At this time, there are almost 23,726 company names listed in the online database. However, there are many, many additional sources I have not yet had time to examine.If you have references that list companies I have missed, please let me know.