World Famous Historic Landmark and Living History
People often look at things on the National Historic Register as things of the past. However, the Horseshoe Curve is still one of the busiest mainlines in the world.
The Horseshoe curve remains an engineering marvel. If you are a railroad enthusiast, it is an absolute MUST SEE. There are very few places where you can get so close to operating tracks.
But if you cannot make the trip, you can watch a live webcam of the Horsehoe Curve via this site:
http://www.visitpa.com/visitpa/webcams.pa?wc=horseshoe
The Making of a Landmark
Conquering the Alleghenies...
J. Edgar Thompson was the brains behind the engineering feat but hundreds of immigrants (predominately Irish) and pack animals labored for years to create this awe-inspiring mountain crossing.
Standing at the site it is absolutely mind-boggling to imagine the work involved. Picks, shovels and a little gun powder combined with back breaking effort by both humans and animals literally moved mountains.
They did it though, they conquered the Alleghenies! Their great endeavor opened the gateway to the west.
The Horseshoe Curve's importance in undeniable. It was so significant that Hitler had plans to destroy it. (See the video below.)
November 13th 1966: Placed on the National Historic Register.
The Horseshoe Curve Ghost
How to see the Horseshoe Curve Ghost
You would assume that the ghost would be a male railroad worker who died in some accident but that isn't the case.
The Horseshoe Curve ghost is female. She is assumed to be an Irish female who died in the 1800s. Exactly when or how she died is not known.
If you want to see the ghost, here is the best way to do it (or so I have heard).
Sighting the ghost is best done on the night of a full moon when it is either misty, raining, or snowing. Without these conditions you are wasting your time.
Sometime before midnight, drive up 40th Street in Altoona, up the road northeast of Burgoon Run near Kittanning Trail. Drive up past the three reservoirs to the tunnel. Drive through the tunnel heading uphill and turn around approximately 50 yards on the other side using the pull-off area.
Face your car downhill, place the car in neutral with the engine running. Check your watch and wait until just before midnight.
Be sure no other cars are present (safety first, you don't want to end up a ghost yourself). Keep totally silent and begin to drive forward entering the tunnel at exactly midnight. Turn off the car's lights as you enter. (Warning: this is risky.)
Drive slowly and cautiously. Beep your horn three times in the tunnel.
As you exit the tunnel look immediately to the right, you should see the figure of a young Irish lass dressed in white. She will either be sitting on the wall or standing by the big spruce tree. If she is not there, look for her just ahead where half a dozen other spruces stand.
Horseshoe Curve and the Nazi Plot to Destroy It
Thanks WPSU!
Video requires broadband and Quicktime.
http://www.wpsu.org/ondemand/streams/Horseshoe_Curve10012.html
Horseshoe Curve Stuff on Amazon
The Horseshoe Curve: Sabotage and Subversion in the Railroad City
Amazon Price: (as of 09/06/2008)
The Horseshoe Curve
Amazon Price: $13.98 (as of 09/06/2008)
Horseshoe Curve (Images of Rail: Pennsylvania)
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 09/06/2008)
Horseshoe Curve, Youngstown, Ohio Art Poster Print, 18x13
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 09/06/2008)
Trains on Location: Horseshoe Curve, Conrail's Mountain Railroad
Amazon Price: (as of 09/06/2008)
On Location
You don't have to be a railfan to enjoy visiting the Horseshoe Curve.
Other railroad sites you may wish to look at:
- Railroaders Memorial Museum
- Site of the Railroaders Memorial Museum. Loads of information on railway history.
- PA Railways
- Great site for remembering railroad history.
- Horseshoe Curve Webcam
- Another link to watch the Horseshoe Curve live via the webcam.
Railroad Stuff on CafePress
Reader Feedback
Your Comments are Appreciated
|
Nathanville
Welcome to Railway Enthusiasts. Horseshoe Curve is spectacular although I haven't seen it. I have seen Ffestiniog Railway, which is also spectacular. Posted November 11, 2007 |
| AKAnorth85
Thanks for commenting on my lens. One thing I've found that's ideal for downtown survival is a healthy blend of historic and modern, which is the idea I have with my internet cafe. Posted October 20, 2007 |
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