|
Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
Altoona Pennsylvania Historic Site
|
|
|
|
Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark Information
|
 |
 Click image(s) to enlarge
|
|
|
|
| Name | Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark |
| Brief Description | Railroad engineering marvel in the Allegheny Mountains |
| Type | Attraction |
| Category | Historic Site |
| Description | In the mid 1840's the use of steam locomotives to move people and goods westward was beginning to replace canal systems in Pennsylvania. Under the leadership of John Edgar Thompson, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company began to put railroad infrastructure across the Commonwealth, but were stopped in their tracks at the foot of the Allegheny Mountains near Altoona. In order to conquer the massive land blocks, Thompson devised an engineering plan that used the landscape and the hands of 450 Irish immigrant workers to create what is known today as the Horseshoe Curve. Opened officially on February 15, 1854, the Curve remains one of the most important components of the mainline, owned and operated by Norfolk Southern. For over 150 years the Curve has shipped freight and passengers to the west, and because of its location, the Curve offers breaktaking views of the surrounding mountain landscapes and of the valley below. It also offers trackside viewing of trains, which has made it a destination for rail lovers for decades. Since its renovation in 1992 with the help of the National Park Service, the viewing area beside the tracks of the Horseshoe Curve offers a ride on the incline to go trackside, upper and lower picnic areas, a visitors center with intrepretation and a small restaurant. In combination with its partner, the Railroaders Memorial Museum, the Horseshoe Curve helps to bring alive the celebration of 150 years of railroading in Altoona, PA.
|
| Address | Kittaning Point Road |
| CSZ | Altoona, PA 16602 |
| Phone 1 | (814) 946-0834 |
| Email | admin@railroadcity.com |
| Handicapped Accessible | Yes |
| Time Allowance | 1-3 hours |
| Website | www.railroadcity.com |
| Last Updated | 3/7/2005 |
| Tell a Friend |  |
| Share Info |  |
| Create an online Altoona vacation itinerary. You can use WeGoPlaces.com to plan your free online Altoona vacation itinerary! Click the "Add" button to add Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark to your Altoona vacation itinerary. |
|
|
|
Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark Amenities
|
|
Elevators
|
Gift Shop
|
Meeting/Banquet Space
|
Offstreet Parking
|
|
Pet Friendly
|
Restaurant
| | |
|
|
Reviews for Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
|
| *** | It is a great experience to go see trains work up & the Alleghanies. But you might want to bring a few chairs (there ara no go places to sit). Bring a hat.And,
bring an umbrella (barely on shade from the sun). But over all t is a great time to waste, & enjoy yourself. | Family with young children | 07-15-06 |
| ***** | Brings back a lot of memories. My Uncle worked on the railroad there and my Aunt, myself, and my two daughters used to take him lunch from time to time. A spectacular view! | Female between 26 and 55 | 08-24-09 |
| *** | picture needs to be larger for people to see the beautiy of it | Male between 26 and 55 | 01-21-10 |
| < Prev Next > |
|
Click here to write a review for Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark!
|
|
|
Rate this information on Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark
|
This travel information has been given 114  Thumbs Ups and 109  Thumbs down for its usefulness.
After reading, please rate the usefulness of this travel information by giving it a Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down.
|
Places to stay in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Fun things to do in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Altoona Tourism
|
|
|
Find attractions, things to do, and Places to stay in all Pennsylvania regions!
|
|
