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The St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad, connecting Canadian and American cities, was the first international railway company. When it was opened, the railway provided year-round service between Montreal and Portland, Maine. In addition, major regional centres like Sherbrooke and Saint Hyacinthe were on this line.

The impetus for the project came from businessmen from the Eastern Townships and Maine: John Alfred Poor was from Portland, while Alexander Tilloch Galt hailed from Sherbrooke. Construction began in 1846. After the line had been completed and a number of financial difficulties ironed out, the British Grand Trunk Railway bought back a segment of the line in Canada. The same company also leased the American section.

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