Map of the West Penn Traction Company System

The West Penn Railways near their zenith.

This scarce railway prospectus was issued in April, 1914 by agents of the Continental and Commercial Trust and Savings Bank and the A.B. Leach & Company. Both were likely large shareholders in the operation of the West Penn Traction System, an expansive interurban railway that operated in western Pennsylvania. Various details are provided to assure the audience about the security of their potential investment – the large regional population, abundant industry, and ample power sources are a few of the factors mentioned. Though potential enthusiasm must be tempered by the strong disclaimer at the bottom – “The statements contained in this circular are not guaranteed but are based upon information we believe to be accurate.”

The verso of the sheet presents a detailed overview of the system’s operations. Railway lines, both completed (solid) and proposed (dotted) stretch some 300-plus miles around Pittsburgh, extending even into Ohio and West Virginia. Routes accessed via operating agreements are also shown, extending the network even farther. In addition to providing electrified transit services, the company also provided power for much of the region, and its transmission lines are noted as well. The Main Steam Power Station is labeled near Connellsville, with a proposed Hydro-Electric Plant seen just across the border, northeast of Morgantown.

Sources: Pittsburgh Transit; Railroadiana