The advent of the railways brought new opportunities to visit other places, be reunited with old friends, enjoy holidays and day trips. It encouraged tourism and boosted the economy.
Sadly in the 1960s there was a decline in the railways and many stations closed - a trend which has been partially reversed in recent years with the opening of new lines and stations.
Here are some evocative pictures selected from the Evening News archive which recall the past of the railways in an around the Capital.
The photos include shots of stations on Edinburgh’s South Suburban line as well as stops on the route from Edinburgh through the Borders.
The exhibition, "Scots on the Move: Railways and Tourism in Victorian Scotland" is free to visit in the Adam Dome at General Register House on Princes Street, opposite Waverley station. It runs until September 26 and is open from 9am until 4pm on weekdays, with late opening until 6:30pm on August 21.
9. Old Eskbank and Dalkeith railway station
The sign at the old Eskbank and Dalkeith rail station, one of the stops on the Edinburgh & Hawick Railway route, closed in January 1969. Photo: Joe Steele
10. Mid Calder railway station
Wives and sweethearts say goodbye to members of the Black Watch as soldiers board the train at Mid Calder railway station, leaving for their tour of duty in Northern Ireland in August 1970. Photo: Hamish Campbell
11. Heriot railway station
Heriot station, one of the stations on the Borders railway line in November 1970. Photo: Denis Straughan
12. Caledonian Station, Princes Street
Caledonian Station - often known as just Caley Station - in Princes Street, Edinburgh, in 1965. Photo: TSPL