Guide for the Pennsylvania Railroad, with an Extensive Map; Including the Entire Route

Documenting the first decade of growth along the Pennsylvania Railroad.

This fascinating guidebook/prospectus for the Pennsylvania Railroad was printed in Philadelphia in 1855 by T.K. and P.G. Collins. The 40-page volume provides a wealth of details about the commercial importance of Philadelphia, regional geography & history, and various sights along the Pennsylvania Railroad – all designed to encourage investment in the company. In the text, the line is described as “a very important link in the chain which binds, by a direct connection, the eastern or Atlantic cities with those situated on the Ohio and Mississippi” (pg. 39).

The book is accompanied by a large folding map that shows the route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which was owned by three different entities at the time of publication (State of Pennsylvania, Lancaster Railroad, Pennsylvania Railroad). It was designed by Herman Haupt, Chief Engineer who was well-known for designing the Horseshoe Curve (now a National Landmark) in 1851.

The image, split into two, shows topography with finely engraved contours, emphasizing the region’s rugged terrain. Original hand color distinguishes the borders of each county as the railroad bisects the sheet in bright red. A table lists the 100 stations along the line (approximately 250 miles), with the distance from the terminus and between each provided.