Highball Signal, historic railroad signal in Delmar, Delaware, US
The Highball Signal is a historic railroad signal in Delmar, Delaware, consisting of a white sphere mounted on a pole next to the railroad tracks. When the sphere was positioned at the top of the pole, it indicated to train crews that they had permission to proceed at full speed without stopping.
The signal originally served in New Castle, Delaware, and then in Hurlock, Maryland, before being relocated to Delmar in 1959. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 to preserve its importance in railroad history.
The signal takes its name from railroad jargon where 'highball' meant trains could proceed at full speed with clear rights of way. This term was common among train crews and helped them understand when it was safe to move forward.
The signal is located in a public park near the railroad tracks and is freely accessible to visitors without barriers. The best way to view it is to walk to the park area adjacent to the railway line.
The signal was moved to Delmar in 1959 during the town's centennial celebration to honor its railroad heritage. Today it stands as a quiet monument that transports visitors back to the era when visual signals controlled train traffic.
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