Cumberland Valley Railroad Station and Station Master's House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cumberland Valley Railroad Station and Station Master's House
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![]() Cumberland Valley Railroad Station, September 2013
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Location | 2 W. Strawberry Alley and 4 W. Strawberry Alley, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania |
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Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
Built | 1875 |
NRHP reference No. | 78002384 |
Added to NRHP | November 17, 1978 |
The Cumberland Valley Railroad Station and Station Master's House is a really old train station and a house next to it in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. People also call it the Mechanicsburg Railroad Station. It was built around 1875 by the Cumberland Valley Railroad company. This historic site is found in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
The station building is made of brick and has a sloped roof. It is about one and a half stories tall. The building measures 52 feet long and 27 feet wide. Right next to the station is the station master's house. This house is also made of brick with a sloped roof, and it is two and a half stories tall.
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What is the Cumberland Valley Railroad Station?
The Cumberland Valley Railroad Station was once a busy place. It served as a stop for trains traveling through the area. The station master's house was where the person in charge of the station lived. They would have managed train schedules and tickets.
When Was the Station Built?
The station was built in 1875. This was a time when railroads were very important for travel and moving goods. The Cumberland Valley Railroad was a key part of transportation in Pennsylvania.
What Does the Station Look Like?
The station is a sturdy brick building. It has a classic design with a pointed roof, called a gable roof. The station master's house is similar but taller. Both buildings show how architecture looked in the late 1800s.
Why is it a Historic Place?
This station and house are important because they show a part of history. They remind us of the early days of train travel. Because of its historical value, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This list includes buildings and places that are important to the history of the United States.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is an official list. It names places across the country that are important to American history. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical or architectural value. It also helps protect these places.
What is the Station Used for Today?
Today, the Cumberland Valley Railroad Station is no longer a working train station. Instead, it has a new life! It now serves as the main museum and headquarters for the Mechanicsburg Museum Association. This means you can visit it to learn about local history.
Visiting the Mechanicsburg Museum
At the museum, you can explore exhibits. You can learn about the history of Mechanicsburg and the railroad. It's a great way to see what a train station from the 1800s looked like. You can also imagine what it was like to travel by train long ago.