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THE RAILROAD REACHES CURTIN

2/10/2022

11 Comments

 
​Due to its remote location, Curtin had always faced hurdles to move its iron to markets and to import goods impossible to produce at home.  Although canals were a major improvement in the transportation system, railroads were the next tidal wave of change. 

The Civil War (1861-1865) slowed construction of railroads, but did not stop it.  A map of the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) and its connecting networks in 1857 shows only the Main Line between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, with a spur from Harrisburg to Baltimore (Ref 1).  The Sunbury & Erie Railroad completed laying track from Sunbury to Lock Haven by 1859, and also aimed east from Erie, but then encountered financial difficulties.  The company was taken over by the PRR and its project was subsumed into the larger undertaking of connecting Philadelphia to Erie. The PRR had money, and the entire route between the latter two cities was completed in 1865, War or No War. 

At the same time as the Philadelphia to Erie Line was being completed, construction had been started by the Tyrone & Lock Haven Railroad.  This company also ran into economic barriers and was morphed into the Bald Eagle Valley Railroad,  a subsidiary of the PRR.  The rail line from Tyrone passed through Curtin and reached Lock Haven in 1865, in time to link to the Philadelphia-Erie Line. A later map of the PRR shows how the railroad connections now afforded easy transport from Curtin to the Great Lakes at Erie; to Harrisburg and points West – Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Toledo (Detroit), Chicago, and onward – as well as points to the East: Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and beyond (Ref 2).
alt= Pennsylvania Railroad Map of 1889
PRR map of 1889. The long arrow points to the approximate location of Eagle Iron Works. The Bald Eagle Valley Rail Line (the narrow blue line running from southwest to northeast) connected with the extensive PRR network at Lock Haven (short arrow). (Ref 2)

​​By the time the War had run its course, Curtin had easy, direct transportation routes for freight and passengers to and from major cities, in spite of its geographic isolation.  

References:

1 – [Map of] Pennsylvania Rail Road and its Connections. Office of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Philadelphia, Nov 3rd, 1857.
Digital ID http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.rbc/rbpe.15603000

2 – Map of Pennsylvania Railroad and its Connections, 1889:
Digital ID http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.gmd/g3701p.rr005190
11 Comments
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2/18/2025 11:01:46 pm

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3/19/2025 10:10:20 am

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3/22/2025 10:02:16 am

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4/21/2025 10:26:04 am

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4/21/2025 10:51:06 am

It's fascinating to see how the expansion of railroads helped overcome the transportation challenges faced by Curtin. Despite the setbacks caused by the Civil War, the perseverance to complete the connections between Philadelphia, Erie, and beyond ultimately transformed the region’s accessibility. The integration of smaller rail companies into the Pennsylvania Railroad played a key role in expanding Curtin's reach to major cities and markets, which must have been a game changer for both imports and exports. It's a great example of how infrastructure improvements, like railroads, can open up economic opportunities in even the most remote areas. If you're looking to work on any outdoor projects like driveway services, feel free to visit our site!

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4/21/2025 10:56:09 am

It's fascinating to see how the development of railroads, especially in regions like Curtin, transformed the transportation and distribution of goods. Despite the setbacks caused by the Civil War, the perseverance of companies like the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) and their ability to absorb other rail lines enabled crucial connections, greatly enhancing trade and access to distant markets. Curtin's eventual linkage to major cities on both coasts shows just how integral railroads were in shaping the nation's economic growth during that period. If you're ever looking for ways to improve outdoor spaces, such as driveways or landscaping, feel free to visit our site!

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    Jerry Glenn

    Jerry is a retired general surgeon​ and a new Board Member of the Roland Curtin Foundation.  He has Curtin roots extending back to 1831, through four previous generations.

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