The better half and I visited the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site in Gallitzin, PA today. While the leaves were just a bit past peak color, it was still a wonderful drive through the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside. The site is free and staffed by knowledgeable guides. It includes a visitor's center (below), beautiful grounds, the No. 6 Engine House, and the Lemon House Tavern.
The forest is actually primeval. There are large trees, standing and fallen, amongst the outcroppings of rocks (which were shaped and used as sleepers). There are a lot of ferns growing on the forest floor.
Intermodal? Yeah, it was the technological marvel of the age.
These locomotives pulled the strings of flatcars (loaded with canal boats) on the level ground between inclined planes.
Engine Houses had stationary 2-cylinder steam engines that pulled or lowered the flatcars along the inclined planes.
This is Engine House No. 6, a somewhat larger recreation of the prototype. As well as an exhibit, it serves to protect the actual remains excavated.
If you look down into the pit, you can see how massive these really were!
The Lemon House was a very prosperous tavern and inn near Engine House No. 6.
Hope you enjoyed the photo tour. It's definitely worth seeing in person.
George
