Gallitzin in Cambria County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gallitzin Tunnels
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 26, 2023
1. Gallitzin Tunnels Marker
The Gallitzin Tunnel was an engineering triumph and an essential step in conquering the steep grades of the Allegheny Mountains by railroad. Combined with the Horseshoe Curve, the Gallitzin Tunnel made the idea of a Pennsylvania mainline railroad a reality. Construction began on the first Gallitzin Tunnel in 1849 under the direction of Engineer Thomas Seabrook and Contractor Thomas Rutter. The work was done by four hundred Irish immigrants, from County Cork.
During construction progress was plagued by such problems as water and an unstable four foot vein of coal surrounded by weak shale and clay. Eventually almost the entire tunnel needed to be arched for safety.
Upon its completion on January 21, 1854 the Gallitzin Tunnel was the final link in completing the Mountain Division of The Pennsylvania Railroad. With the addition of a second tunnel in 1904 the mainline rail system was expanded to four tracks to Pittsburgh.
Twice the Pennsylvania Mainline railway was threatened because of its crucial role in the transportation of troops, supplies and materials for the defense of our nation. During the Civil War a Confederate
this page online
Tunnels Built......1854 and 1904
Length.......3,612 feet
Width.......24 feet
Cost........$125.00 per linear foot
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is January 21, 1854.
Location. 40° 28.919′ N, 78° 33.083′ W. Marker is in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania, in Cambria County. Marker is at the intersection of Convent Street and Jackson Street, on the right when traveling east on Convent Street. Marker is at the park overlooking the Gallitzin Tunnels. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 411 Convent Street, Gallitzin PA 16641, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Joseph L. Ruffley • "Mr. Caboose" (a few steps from this marker); Hysong v. Gallitzin School District (within shouting distance of this marker); Allegheny Tunnel Keystone (within shouting distance of this marker); Stephen Tyng Mather (approx. 1.6 miles away); Summit Level Historic Area (approx. 1.7 miles away); Railroad Stone
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 6, 2009
2. Gallitzin Tunnels and Marker
Also see . . .
1. Gallitzin Tunnels Park and Museum. Website homepage (Submitted on February 11, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Photos of Motive Power at Gallitzin Tunnels. Railprictures website entry (Submitted on February 11, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Gallitzin Tunnels. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on February 11, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 6, 2009
3. Gallitzin Tunnels
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 6, 2009
4. Gallitzin Tunnels
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 6, 2009
5. Gallitzin Tunnels
Eastbound Norfolk Southern freight train entering tunnel
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 6, 2009
6. PRR N5c Cabin Car at Gallitzin Tunnels Park
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 6, 2009
7. PRR Signal at Gallitzin Tunnels Park
Credits. This page was last revised on July 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,641 times since then and 526 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week January 21, 2018. Photos: 1. submitted on May 30, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 11, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
