2024 Visit Johnstown Visitors Guidev12 spreads for Web - Flipbook - Page 30
Johnstown Inclined Plane
Westward, ho! Conquering the
Alleghenies by canal and railroad.
In the early 19th century, the
Allegheny Ridge presented a nearly
insurmountable obstacle rising
nearly 1,200 feet standing in the
way of expansion to the west. To
conquer the Ridge — and cross it
with roads, canals, and rail — was a
challenge that mustered American
ingenuity and established
Pennsylvania as an industrial
giant. The Pennsylvania Mainline
Canal, completed in 1830, was the
first route connecting Philadelphia
with Pittsburgh and shortened the
journey from three weeks by wagon
to four days by railroad and canal.
The Pennsylvania Railroad leaped
the mountains with an all-rail
route, sparking the development
of the region’s iron, steel and
coal industries. Civil engineering
masterpieces such as the Horseshoe
Curve and the Gallitzin Tunnels,
as well as the vast Pennsylvania
Railroad locomotive and car
shops in Altoona, established the
Ridge area as an early testing and
research laboratory for railroading.
LEARN HOW CANALBOATS WERE
HAULED OVER THE MOUNTAINS!
ALLEGHENY PORTAGE RAILROAD
NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
U.S. Rt. 22, Gallitzin Exit. 110 Federal Park Rd.,
Gallitzin, PA 16641 | 814-886-6150 | www.nps.gov/alpo
The construction and operation of the
Allegheny Portage Railroad was one of
the greatest engineering feats of the 19th
century. Visitor center, restored historic
Lemon House tavern, hands-on exhibits
and full-scale models in the Engine
House Interpretive Building. Picnic area,
hiking and cross-country ski trails.
30 visitjohnstownpa.com
