Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

About

This is the official Facebook page of Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. Learn more at www.nps.gov/alpo

Story

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site tells the story of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal and the Allegheny Portage Railroad. From the 1830s to the 1850s, the "Main Line" was the easiest way to travel and ship goods across the state of Pennsylvania. The Portage Railroad portion of the Main Line opened in 1834 and was the first railroad crossing of the Alleghenies. The Portage consisted of 10 inclined planes connected by more conventional sections of railroad covering 36 miles between Hollidaysburg and Johnstown. Goods were removed from the canal on one side of the mountain, carried up and over the mountain on the Portage, and then placed back in the canal on the other side. The Main Line was the preferred route until the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) opened its line across the state in 1854 upon the completion of the famous Horseshoe Curve. The Portage only survived until 1857 when it was purchased from the state by the PRR along with the rest of the Main Line. The Portage was immediately abandoned and sections of the canal began closing soon after.

Today, the National Park Service preserves the remains of the Portage Railroad, including Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel in America. Visitors to the park can tour the Visitor Center, Engine House #6 Exhibit Shelter, and the Lemon House. They can also hike or bike on our many miles of trails. In the summer a wide variety of special programs are offered. The park is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Park buildings are open weekends in the winter from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please call 814-886-6150 for more information or visit our website at www.nps.gov/alpo