Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
In its early days, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was a wonder of modern transportation. Helping to cut the 23 day trip from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia to a mere 4 days, the railroad gave Pennsylvania trade and industry a much-needed boost at its 1834 opening.
Considered a marvel of engineering, the railroad consisted 10 incline planes and a series of locomotives which connected the western and eastern divisions of the state’s Public Works canal system.
Although you may be about 150 years too late to hitch a ride, the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site offers many fun and educational things to do. Start out at the visitor center, where you can enjoy a movie portraying the life of a fictional Portage Railroad worker named Edgar West.
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