• Photo of Lemon House, Level #6, and Engine House on a beautiful summer day.

    Allegheny Portage Railroad

    National Historic Site Pennsylvania

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  • Road Closure

    Please be aware that part of the public area loop has been closed until further notice as the park starts preparatory efforts for this summer's paving project on the Picnic Area Road.

Trading Cards

Kids! Collect stories about the Civil War and civil rights! The National Park Service is offering more than 500 trading cards to mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Visit a park in person to earn a card. Ask a ranger or stop by the visitor center at a participating park like Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. You can view all the cards online and discover stories from nearly 90 national parks in 31 states and the District of Columbia. You'll be surprised at what you will learn

 
CivilWarCard1

Jarena Lee

Jarena Lee was the first female African Methodist Episcopal (AME) preacher and and early 19th century civil rights activist. Driven by faith and courage, she traveled thousands of miles by foot, wagon, and via the Allegheny Portage Railroad and Mainline Canal to attract members and financial support for new AME congregations.

 
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A Portage to Freedom

The Allegheny Portage Railroad was used by people escaping slavery. In 1855, Jacob Green, a freedom seeker from Virginia, was spotted on the Railroad by slave catcher James Parsons, Jr. Parsons attempted to capture Green but was instead arrested on kidnapping charges. Parsons' trial showed how Pennsylvania and Virginia had different laws about slavery.

 

Did You Know?

Viaduct in 1885 before the great Johnstown Flood

The Conemaugh Viaduct was used by trains even after the Portage Railroad closed. The Johnstown Flood of 1889 washed the original viaduct away, but a replacement was completed within 3 days of the flood.