Susquehanna Township near Harrisburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Railroad
Although an economic failure, the canal inspired rapid development of private, profitable railroads. The railroads followed the general route of the canal west. In 1852 it connected two industrial powerhouses, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, crossing the Susquehanna River on the Rockville Bridge.
The History of Transportation at Fort Hunter
Because the river and the mountains create a corridor, travelers have always passed through Fort Hunter. Etched on these lands is the history of transportation in the United States.
[Captions:]
The first Rockville Bridge was built in 1849 of timber. "Rockville Bridge, Rails Across the Susquehanna," Dan Cupper, 2002, Withers Publishing.
Trolley car at Roberts Valley Road and Front Street just south of Fort Hunter.
The second Rockville Bridge was of iron in 1877. "Rockville Bridge, Rails Across the Susquehanna," Dan Cupper, 2002, Withers Publishing.
The current Rockville Bridge was constructed in 1902 with stone and fill. "Rockville Bridge, Rails Across the Susquehanna," Dan Cupper, 2002, Withers Publishing.
Erected by Dauphin County Parks & Recreation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts
this page online
Location. 40° 20.574′ N, 76° 54.447′ W. Marker is near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. It is in Susquehanna Township. It can be reached from Fort Hunter Road 0.2 miles east of North Front Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 115 Fort Hunter Rd, Harrisburg PA 17110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and in the Susquehanna Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Highways (a few steps from this marker); The Canal (a few steps from this marker); Greenways (a few steps from this marker); Roads (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Transportation (within shouting distance of this marker); The Everhart Covered Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stable (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Hunter (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 156 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
