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

Semaphore Signal

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 15, 2021

1. Semaphore Signal Marker

Inscription. A semaphore signal controlled the movement of trains by raising or lowering the blade. The position of the blade and the color of the light being displayed told the engineer whether to stop, go, or proceed slowly prepared to stop.

This semaphore stood along the Erie tracks at XN Tower in the
Shenango Yard, where the Bessemer tracks crossed the Erie tracks.
Donated by Conrail Railroad

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

Location. 41° 24.458′ N, 80° 22.897′ 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. Semaphore signal 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. Mile Post (here, next to this marker); Phone Box (here, next to this marker); Whistle Post (here, next to this marker); Dwarf Signal Light (here, next to this marker); The Chicago Bridge & Iron Company (a few steps from this marker); Steam Engine #304/604

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(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 . . . Railway Semaphore Signal.

Railway semaphore signal is one of the earliest forms of fixed railway signals. The semaphore system involves signals that display their different indications to train drivers by changing the angle of inclination of a pivoted 'arm'. Semaphore signals were patented in the early 1840s by Joseph James Stevens, and soon became the most widely used form of mechanical signal. Designs have altered over the intervening years, and color light signals have replaced semaphore signals in most countries.

(Submitted on February 3, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Semaphore Signal image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 15, 2021

2. Semaphore Signal

(marker is mounted on signal base)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 15, 2021

3. Semaphore Signal

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 255 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 3, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.