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For 134 years, from 1838 to 1972, the Northern Central Railroad connected Baltimore, MD with York, PA and points north, encouraging the growth of small communities such as New Freedom, Railroad, Glen Rock and Seven Valleys. The Railroad was a major link in the exchange of goods and passenger service between York and Baltimore. It was originally chartered as the Baltimore and Susquehanna RR, then the Northern Central RR, later the Pennsylvania RR and finally Penn Central RR.
The historic train stations in New Freedom and Hanover Junction serve today as reminders of several noteworthy Civil War events, including a stop over by Abraham Lincoln at Hanover Junction Train Station on his way to deliver his famous Gettysburg Address.
Following the declared bankruptcy of the Penn Central Railroad in 1970 and the major destruction of the rail line in 1972 by Hurricane Agnes, the County of York purchased the rail corridor in 1990 through a special agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and formed the York County Rail Trail Authority. This panel of nine volunteers, supported by extraordinary volunteer efforts throughout the county of York, have converted this rail corridor into a unique recreational asset.
To obtain additional information, to schedule an organized group, or to inquire about membership, please call or write: |
