July 6, 2023 Ryan Thoman

Grab a ticket and ride through York, PA

Railroads by and far have been an iconic form of transportation in our history. York, PA is one place that didn't fall short on the use of rail historically and present day. If we travel back to the 1860's we find York rattled with the hustling and bustling of all things war; that's right, the Civil War impacted the larger York area as troops needed supplies, equipment, and transportation. The first mass use of railroad in all of America was seen during this war, with Pennsylvania having 2,600 miles completed and in use by 1860.

The Northern Central Railway was the mainline stretching from Baltimore to Williamsport- stops to be noted included New Freedom, Shrewsbury, Glen Rock, and Hanover Junction which is now seen as the York County Heritage Rail Trail in the rails to trails program.

Hanover Junction was a busy stop, with more than 14,000 soldiers being brought by train to York, Abraham Lincoln coming through to deliver the Gettysburg address (and then his funeral train coming through) and transporting iron from the mines at what is today known as P. Joesph Raab County Park.

Basically, what we are saying is, York has always been a hub and continues to be. What if I want to learn more about York's rail history? Below is a list of places to visit in and around York that will make you go off the rails.

1. Ma & Pa Railroad; Train Ride & Heritage Village

https://maandparailroad.com/

Ride on the Ma & Pa Railroad