Northern Central Railway

{{Infobox railway| name = Northern Central Railway| logo = | image = | locale = Pennsylvania, Maryland| start_year = 1852| end_year = 1976| successor_line = Conrail| track_gauge = |

''' Northern Central Railway''' was a railway company that operated in the United States, primarily in Pennsylvania and Maryland, with connections to Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Pennsylvania Railroad, and Western Maryland Railway. The railway played a significant role in the transportation of coal, iron, and other goods during the American Civil War, with notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant utilizing the railway for Gettysburg Campaign and other military operations. The railway also had connections to major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, with Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station serving as key hubs. Additionally, the railway intersected with other notable railways, including the Erie Railroad, Lehigh Valley Railroad, and Reading Railroad.

● History

The Northern Central Railway was chartered in 1852, with the goal of connecting Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Baltimore, Maryland, and later extended to Sunbury, Pennsylvania and Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The railway was constructed during the American Industrial Revolution, with notable engineers like Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Robert Fulton contributing to its development. The railway played a crucial role in the American Civil War, with President Abraham Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant utilizing the railway to transport troops and supplies during the Battle of Gettysburg and other military campaigns. The railway also had connections to major universities like Harvard University, Yale University, and University of Pennsylvania, with notable alumni like Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.

● Route

The Northern Central Railway route spanned across Pennsylvania and Maryland, passing through notable cities like York, Pennsylvania, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Frederick, Maryland. The railway also intersected with other notable railways, including the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Pennsylvania Railroad, and Western Maryland Railway, with connections to major airports like John F. Kennedy International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. The railway route also passed through notable national parks like Gettysburg National Military Park and Catoctin Mountain Park, with connections to major museums like the Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of American History. Additionally, the railway route was near notable landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Independence Hall.

● Operations

The Northern Central Railway operated a variety of locomotives, including steam locomotives and diesel locomotives, with notable manufacturers like General Electric and Electro-Motive Corporation. The railway also operated passenger trains, including the Broadway Limited and Liberty Limited, with connections to major hotels like the Waldorf Astoria New York and The Plaza Hotel. The railway's freight operations included the transportation of coal, iron, and other goods, with connections to major ports like the Port of New York and New Jersey and Port of Baltimore. The railway also had connections to major corporations like General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and United States Steel Corporation.

● Legacy

The Northern Central Railway played a significant role in the development of the United States, with notable contributions to the American Industrial Revolution and American Civil War. The railway's legacy can be seen in the many museums and historic sites that preserve its history, including the National Museum of American History and B&O Railroad Museum. The railway's impact on the economy of Pennsylvania and Maryland is still felt today, with many businesses and industries relying on the transportation infrastructure established by the railway. Notable figures like Henry Ford and John D. Rockefeller also utilized the railway for their business operations, with connections to major financial institutions like J.P. Morgan & Co. and Goldman Sachs.

● Preservation

Efforts to preserve the Northern Central Railway's history and legacy are ongoing, with many museums and historic sites dedicated to the railway's history. The National Park Service has designated several sections of the railway as National Historic Landmarks, including the Gettysburg National Military Park and Catoctin Mountain Park. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and B&O Railroad Museum also have extensive collections of Northern Central Railway artifacts and equipment, with connections to major universities like University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, many historical societies and preservation organizations are working to restore and preserve the railway's historic locomotives and railway stations, with notable examples like the Strasburg Rail Road and Gettysburg Railroad. Category:Railroads in the United States