The Queen of Speed-Engine #999

Engine #999 in its as built appearance
Image Retrieved From: wikipedia.org

    Engine #999 has a special place in the history of land transportation. Once the pinnacle of locomotive development of its era, it became world famous when it reached a speed that had never been achieved on the face of the Earth. However, the years after this magnificent feat saw #999 fade from the limelight. Like a retired racehorse, the engine lived out its twilight years plodding through the mountains of central Pennsylvania. Though outclassed by modern locomotives, the #999 still had the heart of a speedster when it was recalled for one last glamorous run down the high iron. This is the fascinating story of Engine #999.

Stepping Into History- A History of the "Thousand Steps" (Huntingdon County)

The start of the Thousand Steps
Author's Photo

     It's probably safe to say that some of us dread our commutes to work during the week. Though we all probably have our horror stories from our travels to and from the workplace, we sometimes fail to realize how easy we really have it here in the present.  While many of us probably don't have a treacherous or arduous journeys to work, it was very much a reality for a past generation, especially those working on the craggy mountainside above Mount Union in Huntingdon County. So lets step back in time and explore what it was like working on that rugged mountainside. We’ve got quite the climb ahead of us. Try to keep up….. 

Monument CCC Camp S-121 (Centre County)

The monument at the entrance to the camp
Author's Photo

    Tucked away off the beaten path lies a reminder of one of the best ideas that this nation has ever had, the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). Born in 1933 from President FDR’s New Deal, the CCC employed thousands jobless young men during the Great Depression. In Pennsylvania alone, 151 camps were constructed, second in number behind only California. From these camps, the CCC worked on conservation and public works projects. Building roads, constructing dams, fighting forest fires, and planting trees were all examples of their work. Even today, their handiwork is still very much evident throughout the state. Part of this fascinating story can be explored just off the main road (actually the only road) between Monument and Orviston in Centre County.

Coburn Tunnel (Centre County)

Coburn Tunnel
Author's Photo

    Relics of our region’s railroad heritage can often be found in tucked away places provided you take the time to wander a bit. The Coburn Tunnel is one such reminder. Located on a narrow dead end road along the shimmering waters of Penn’s Creek, the tunnel helps to tell the story of how steel rails helped make this region what it is today.