Hamiltonban Township near Fairfield in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

"Tapeworm Railroad"

Photographed By Craig Swain, June 22, 2008

1. Tapeworm Railroad Marker

Inscription. Begun in 1836 by the State of Pennsylvania, largely through the efforts of Thaddeus Stevens. The meandering railroad's nickname was provided by its opponents. It was put up for sale in 1842. Just west of here stands its granite stone viaduct.

Erected 1967 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.

Location. 39° 46.88′ N, 77° 22.693′ W. Marker is near Fairfield, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Hamiltonban Township. Marker is at the intersection of Fairfield Road (State Highway 116) and Iron Springs Road (County Route 3014), on the right when traveling south on Fairfield Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fairfield PA 17320, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fairfield (approx. ¼ mile away); Harry E. Brown (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Fairfield (approx. 0.6 miles away); Historic Fairfield Inn (approx. 0.6 miles away); Army of the Potomac (approx. 0.6 miles away); St. John's United Church of Christ Bell

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(approx. 0.6 miles away); Field Hospital (approx. 0.7 miles away); Major Samuel S. Starr (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfield.

Photographed By Craig Swain, June 22, 2008

2. Tapeworm Railroad Marker

"Tapeworm Railroad" granite bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 12, 2015

3. "Tapeworm Railroad" granite bridge

Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 11, 2015

4. "Tapeworm Railroad" granite bridge

The marker is actually in error. By definition, a viaduct has more than one span, making this a bridge. Note Tom's Creek below and trees growing on the roadbed.

Jack's Mountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Karl Stelly, 2009

5. Jack's Mountain

This is the view of Jack's Mountain as seen when standing next to the "Tapeworm Railroad" historical marker at Fairfield, Pennsylvania.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,719 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 28, 2015, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4. submitted on May 6, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 5. submitted on January 8, 2010, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.