• 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.

"...Even if it's as Big as a Mountain!"

The first railroad to circumvent the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the finishing piece of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal.  "The Portage," opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.  All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.

Features

  • Map of the National Parks of Western PA

    Explore the National Parks of Western PA

    Western PA is the home to five National Park sites showcasing the history of the region and beauty of the outdoors. What discoveries will you make?

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  • Culvert #1586, one of the sites along the 6-10 Trail.

    Culvert #1586 and the 6-10 Trail

    The 6-10 Trail allows visitors to trace the path of Inclined Planes 6-10. Culvert #1586 is one of the many sites included on this trail.

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  • Today, visitors can see the tavern, fancy parlor, and the dining room of this magnificent stone building.

    Lemon House

    Owned and operated by Samuel and Jean Lemon, the Lemon House served as an inn and tavern during the days of the Allegheny Portage Railroad.

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  • At the top of each inclined plane was an engine house like this one. Thanks to local historian and licensed engineer Fred Connacher, you can see the wheels, gears, pullies, pistons, and sheaves necessary to hoist canal boats and train cars.

    Engine House #6 Exhibit Shelter

    Visit the Engine House #6 Exhibit Shelter to see life-like recreations of machinery needed to hoist canal boats and train cars over Inclined Plane 6.

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  • Staple Bend Tunnel was the first railroad tunnel in America, built for the Allegheny Portage Railroad. Be advised, it is not at the main park unit, but rather near the town of Mineral Point, 5 miles from Johnstown. It is a roughly 5 mile round trip.

    Staple Bend Tunnel

    A unit of the Allegheny Portage Railroad located at Mineral Point, PA, 5 miles from Johnstown.

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  • Collage of Trading Cards

    Trading Cards for Kids

    Discover more than 500 storeis about America's journey from the Civil War to Civil Rights. View online or visit this park to collect your own copies.

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Did You Know?

Staple Bend Tunnel West facade

In 1843 cars of bacon and whiskey, left overnight in the tunnel, caught fire from a locomotive spark and the whiskey exploded. Staple Bend Tunnel was closed for a couple of days for repair.