The Pennsylvania and the New York Central railroads, introduced in the 1860s and 1880s respectively, were instrumental in establishing Pennsylvania as the nation's largest source of coal. Although the two lines quickly forged a rivalry over the territory, rapid change at the turn of the nineteenth century forced them to adopt new technologies and eventually merge into one company. In Branch Line Empires, take a trip back in time to learn about this legendary relationship in exquisite detail thanks to Michael Bezilla's expertise in the history of technology and railroading.
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Switchbacks and Rattlesnakes: The Bellefonte and Snow Shoe Railroad 2. Moshannon’s Black Gold: The Tyrone and Clearfield Railroad 3. The PRR Tightens Its Grip: The Bald Eagle Valley Railroad 4. Forever Divided: The Lewisburg and Tyrone Railroad 5. Uniting the Branch Lines: The PRR’s Tyrone Division 6. Breaking the Monopoly: Beech Creek Railroad/New York Central 7. Nittany Valley Short Lines: Bellefonte Central Railroad/Central Railroad of Pennsylvania/Nittany Valley Railroad 8. Railroads at High Tide 9. The Tide Recedes: Passenger Service 10. The Pennsylvania and the New York Central on the Plateau, 1918-1968 11. Railroading in the Valleys, 1918-1968 12. Empires Dismantled: Penn Central and Beyond
Maps
Index