Greenville in Mercer County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Whistle Post

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 15, 2021

1. Whistle Post Marker

Inscription. This is a whistle post. They are placed along the tracks a short distance before every road crossing. The W tells the engineer it is time to blow the warning whistle or horn before he reaches the road. The standard crossing warning signal is two long blasts, one short blast, and one more long. Today, the railroads use much smaller signs with a W on them.

This post came off the Erie Railroad
Donated by Conrail Railroad

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Railroads & Streetcars.

Location. 41° 24.46′ N, 80° 22.895′ W. Marker is in Greenville, Pennsylvania, in Mercer County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Main Street (Pennsylvania Route 358) and Union Street, on the right when traveling west. Whistle Post and marker are located on the Greenville Railroad Park & Museum grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 314 Main Street, Greenville PA 16125, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Phone Box (here, next to this marker); Dwarf Signal Light (here, next to this marker); Mile Post (here, next to this marker); Semaphore Signal (here, next to this marker); Steam Engine #304/604

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(a few steps from this marker); The Chicago Bridge & Iron Company (a few steps from this marker); Wheeling & Lake Erie Caboose #0205 (a few steps from this marker); Bessemer Ore Jenny #20567 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenville.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Greenville Railroad Park & Museum

Also see . . . Whistle post.

Whistle posts in the United States and Canada were traditionally placed about one-quarter mile in advance of a road crossing. The signs in themselves varied in design from railroad to railroad. Some were marked with – – o – (two longs, one short, and another long). This signal is to be prolonged or repeated until the engine or train occupies the crossing; or, where multiple crossing are involved, until the last crossing is occupied. The same rule is practiced when approaching locations such as rail yards, where people may be working on the tracks, as well as bridges, tunnels and other points.

(Submitted on February 2, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Whistle Post and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 15, 2021

2. Whistle Post and Marker

Whistle Post image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 15, 2021

3. Whistle Post

Older, Morse Code Style Whistle Post image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, January 23, 2008

4. Older, Morse Code Style Whistle Post

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 252 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 2, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.