3-012-040 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the railway from Gottenburg to Stockholm: arrival of the King of Sweden at the railway station at Gottenburg - from a sketch by our special artist, 1862. '...the King, Princes Oscar and August, the Ministers, the Foreign Ambassadors, the other dignitaries of the country, and deputations from the Parliament...arrived at Gottenburg at seven o'clock in the evening. The illustrious party...met here a most enthusiastic welcome from the congregated thousands; the national anthem, which is the same air as our own, and the "Hip, hip, hurrah!" giving it quite an English character. His Majesty with Princes Oscar and August, having alighted...received an address from Mr. Nils Ericcson [the creator of the Swedish railways], to which he replied in a clear and ringing voice, concluding by declaring the western line of the Swedish railway open to the public. At the same time the King gave to Mr. Ericcson the Grand Cross of the Order of the North Star as a token of regard and reward for his services. The station was brilliantly illuminated with gas and gaily decorated with flags and evergreens'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.