The New York and Erie Railroad completed its line between Hornell and Dunkirk , New York via Piermont and Salamanca in 1851 . In 1851 , New York and Erie Railroad completed its line between Hornell and Dunkirk , New York via Piermont and Salamanca . The New York and Erie Railroad completed its route between Piermont and Dunkirk in 1851 , New York via Hornell and Salamanca .