Episode 10 The PA Mainline of Public Works

In the early 19th century, the United States was a growing nation with vast expanses of land that were rich in resources yet separated by formidable geographic barriers. Among these barriers were the formidable Allegheny Mountains, which divided the eastern seaboard from the western territories. To harness the economic potential of these regions, transportation infrastructure was vital. And so leading citizens and legislators in the state of Pennsylvania conceived a grand project: The Pennsylvania Main Line of Public Works The goal was to connect Philadelphia in the east with Pittsburgh in the west. Spanning a combination of canals and railroads, this network was not just a marvel of engineering; it was a bold declaration of the state’s ambitions and its commitment to economic expansion.

Learn more about our mission to highlight and preserve our railroad heritage at The Great American Railroad