Guelph was incorporated as a town in 1855, and the railways soon followed. The Grand Trunk Railway of Canada reached Guelph in 1856, on their Toronto – Sarnia Mainline. Followed shortly after by the Great Western Railway, operating as the Galt & Guelph Railway in 1857. Guelph became a hub of activity for railways. Other railways that were based in Guelph, or came through Guelph were the Wellington, Grey & Bruce Railway, Toronto Suburban Railway, Guelph & Goderich Railway, Guelph Junction Railway, Toronto & Guelph Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway and the Canadian National Railway, The Ontario Southland railway and the Goderich & Exeter Railway. The growth of Guelph can really be attributed to the success of railways.