Valley Railway Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Valley Railway Historic District
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Historic View of the Valley Railway
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cuyahoga Valley between Rockside Rd. at Cuyahoga National Recreation Area and Howard St. at Little Cuyahoga Valley, Akron, Ohio |
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| Area | 178 acres (72 ha) |
| Built | 1871 |
| Architect | Valley Railway |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001123 |
| Added to NRHP | May 17, 1985 |
The Valley Railway Historic District is a special area in Ohio. It includes parts of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This historic district stretches from Independence all the way to Akron, Ohio. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means it is an important place to protect because of its history.
Contents
The Valley Railway: A Journey Through Time
The Valley Railway was built a long time ago, in 1880. Its main job was to connect Cleveland's growing steel factories with the rich coal mines in the Tuscarawas River Valley. The railway went south to a town called Zoarville.
Why Was the Valley Railway Built?
The first railroad came to Cleveland in 1854. But most of these early train lines went east and west. They did not connect important cities like Cleveland, Akron, and Canton. The Valley Railway changed this. It was built right next to, and sometimes even on top of, the old Ohio and Erie Canal.
This new railway helped move coal much faster. Coal was super important back then. It was used to power the new factories and industries. So, the Valley Railway played a big part in the area's industrial growth.
Trains for People and Goods
Even though the railway mostly carried coal and other goods, it also offered rides for people. The company even made a special book called "The Travelers and Tourists Guide to the Valley Railway!" This book helped promote train travel for fun.
The guide described many towns and beautiful natural spots along the train route. It made the railway seem like a great way to see the countryside. However, the trains also brought more noise and pollution to the quiet valley.
A Changing Landscape
The arrival of the railroad showed a big change in the country. Before, many people lived on farms. But with trains, more people started working in factories and cities. This shift from a farming society to an industrial one was a huge deal. People sometimes called the railroad the "machine in the garden." This phrase meant that new technology was changing natural, peaceful places.
The Railway's Later Years
In 1895, the Valley Railway got a new name: the Cleveland, Terminal and Valley Railway. Later, in 1915, a much bigger company called the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad took it over. Many small train lines from that time were bought by larger companies. They often added more tracks next to the old ones.
However, the Valley Railway is special. It still has only one track and has been kept in very good condition. A large part of the track goes through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The park helps protect the historical look of the valley. It stops new buildings or changes from spoiling the old railway's charm.
Today, you can still ride a train on these tracks! The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers fun trips. These trips go from Cuyahoga County all the way to Canton.
