Home > Transportation > Trains
Switchback railway, Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, USA
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Switchback railway, Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, USA
Switchback railway, near Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, USA. A gravity narrow gauge railroad at the Summit Hill coalmines, used by the company to transport coal in trucks to the village across the mountains, later used for tours and excursions to the top of Mount Pisgah.
1898
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14253385
© Mary Evans / Pharcide
1898 Chunk Elderly Gauge Gravity Hills Mining Narrow Pennsylvania Railroad Rails Sepia Slope Sloping Steep Summit Switchback Tracks Truck Trucks Coalmine Pisgah
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> North America
> United States of America
> Pennsylvania
> Related Images
> Transportation
> Trains
EDITORS COMMENTS
A captivating photograph capturing the essence of industrial innovation and the untamed beauty of nature, this image showcases the Switchback Railway in Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, USA, built in the late 1890s. The gravity narrow gauge railroad, a marvel of engineering, was utilized by the coalmines at Summit Hill to transport coal-laden trucks from the mines to the village nestled on the other side of the formidable mountains. The steep, sloping terrain is evident in this sepia-toned photograph, as the rails and tracks wind their way up the mountainside, defying gravity. The men operating the railway appear small against the towering trees and the vast expanse of the landscape. The intricate system of pulleys and cables that powered the trains up the steep inclines can be seen in the background, a testament to the ingenuity of the time. The Switchback Railway, a relic of the 1890s, offers a glimpse into the industrial past of Pennsylvania. The rugged terrain and steep inclines made transportation a significant challenge, and the railway overcame these obstacles with its unique design. The railway's use of gravity to transport coal trucks up the mountain was a game-changer for the coal industry, enabling the efficient movement of resources from the mines to the village below. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the past, a time when the industrial revolution was transforming the landscape of America, and the spirit of innovation was at its peak. The image is a beautiful blend of the raw power of nature and the ingenuity of man, a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the relentless pursuit of progress.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
