Pennsylvania Railroad Artifacts
When the railroad came to Huntingdon in 1850, its tracks were laid down the middle of Allegheny Street. The Pennsylvania Canal occupied the right-of-way now used by Conrail freight and Amtrak passenger trains. The rather narrow width of Allegheny Street was shared by smoke-belching steam locomotives, horse-drawn wagons and buggies, and quick-stepping pedestrians for more than four decades—until the railroad tracks were moved to the then-defunct canal right-of-way in 1892.
The cast-iron Huntingdon station sign, mounted on the wall of the McMurtrie House summer kitchen, was obtained in 1968 after Amtrak discontinued use of the 1872 station at 4th & Allegheny.
The mile marker formerly stood along the tracks just west of Laney's Feed Mill. The PRR placed mileposts along the tracks to indicate the distance by rail from Philadelphia. Thus, this post—numbered 203—indicated that Huntingdon is 203 miles by rail from Philadelphia. Mileposts, of various types, still line the Conrail tracks. Look for them when you travel by train.
Erected by Huntingdon County Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Little House (a few steps from this marker); Canal Milepost (a few steps from this marker); William E. and Margaret Whittaker McMurtrie (a few steps from this marker); 100 South 4th Street (a few steps from this marker); 107 South 4th Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 113 South 4th Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 401 Allegheny Street (within shouting distance of this marker); McMurtrie Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntingdon.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 157 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 11, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
