News Release

Charles Dickens' 1842 Trip to America

Charles Dickens looking out of train window into the mountain valleys below.

NPS/Harpers Ferry Center

News Release Date: July 1, 2025

Contact: Elizabeth Shope, 814-449-4125

Our summer speaker series, Evening on the Summit, continues on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center theater. Park Ranger Doug Bosley will present a free program on Charles Dickens' 1842 trip to America.

Charles Dickens traveled on the Main Line Canal and Allegheny Portage Railroad 183 years ago in 1842 on his first trip to America. The program uses his account of the trip to tell of his experience on the Main Line Canal and Allegheny Portage Railroad. It also highlights other parts of his journey.