Pennsylvania Gravity Railroad facts for kids
The Pennsylvania Gravity Railroad was a special kind of railroad built in Pennsylvania. It was made to move a type of coal called anthracite coal from mines to a canal. This railroad started operating in 1850.
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The Pennsylvania Gravity Railroad
The Pennsylvania Gravity Railroad was a very important way to transport coal in the 1800s. It helped move large amounts of coal across 47 miles of land. This coal was then shipped using the Delaware and Hudson Canal.
What Was a Gravity Railroad?
A gravity railroad is different from regular railroads today. Instead of using steam engines or diesel engines, these trains mostly used the power of gravity to move downhill. Workers would load the coal onto special cars. Then, the cars would roll down slopes, pulled by the earth's gravity. Sometimes, animals like mules would pull the empty cars back uphill.
Building the Railroad
The Pennsylvania Gravity Railroad was built by the Pennsylvania Coal Company. It began operating in 1850. Its main job was to connect the coal mines in northeastern Pennsylvania to the Delaware and Hudson Canal. This canal was a major waterway for shipping goods to cities.
Its Purpose: Moving Coal
The railroad's main purpose was to transport anthracite coal. This type of coal burns very hot and was widely used for heating homes and powering factories. The railroad made it much easier and faster to get this important fuel to markets.
The End of the Line
The Pennsylvania Gravity Railroad operated for many years. However, as technology changed, new types of railroads became more efficient. In 1885, the Pennsylvania Gravity Railroad was replaced. The Erie and Wyoming Valley Railroad took over its routes and continued to transport coal using newer methods.
Its Legacy Today
Even though the railroad is no longer in use, its history is remembered. A special historical marker has been placed to honor the old line. Also, a road called Old Gravity Road and a small village named Gravity were both named after this unique railroad. They remind us of its important role in Pennsylvania's history.
