Pennsylvania’s Horseshoe Curve draws visitors from around the world for its sheer natural beauty and to marvel at this true feat of engineering. Perhaps one of the best day trips in Pennsylvania, Horseshoe Curve offers plenty to do – from visiting the on-site museum to climbing aboard the funicular for a scenic ride. A trip to this engineering marvel, called “The Gateway Through The Mountains,” is a must for any Pennsylvanian.
A feat of engineering that draws visitors from around the globe, Horseshoe Curve did something that, at the time, seemed almost impossible.
Google/Eric Robinson
The Allegheny Mountains, standing 2161 feet above sea level, proved a robust barrier to westward expansion in the 1850s. However, the barrier would be overcome - with some engineering genius.
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Using such methods as switchbacks, construction workers were able to lessen the grades of the mountains by creating the Horseshoe Curve and allowing the trains to pass over it.
Facebook/World Famous Horseshoe Curve
It took three years of hard labor, mostly completed by Irish immigrants, for the Horseshoe Curve to be completed. It quickly become a worldwide wonder after debuting in 1854.
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Measuring 2,375 feet long and 1,300 feet wide, the Horseshoe Curve helped merged the east with the west, even earning it the title of the “Eighth Engineering Wonder of the World.”
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Used to transport both people and freight, the curve became so important that during World War II the Nazis targeted it.
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Today, visitors from around the globe flock to this engineering marvel for a closer look. A funicular will take you to a platform, which offers sensational views of the curve.
Wikimedia Commons/David Lounsbury Please note that as of June 2022, the funicular is temporarily closed. You can still reach the viewing platform via stairs.
Save time to check out the gift shop and the museum, too.
Wikimedia Commons/David Lounsbury
If you’re a fan of the railroad, check out The Railroaders Memorial Museum, which operates Horseshoe Curve. It’s just six miles from the curve.
Wikipedia Commons/Chris Light
View more information on the official website of Railroaders Memorial Museum. Or, stop by its Facebook page.
Google/Michael Bank
Have you been to Pennsylvania’s Horseshoe Curve? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments. Did you know that Altoona is also one of the most haunted towns in Pennsylvania?
Google/Eric Robinson
Facebook/World Famous Horseshoe Curve
Wikipedia/Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science
Google/Horseshoe Curve
Wikimedia Commons/David Lounsbury
Please note that as of June 2022, the funicular is temporarily closed. You can still reach the viewing platform via stairs.
Wikipedia Commons/Chris Light
Google/Michael Bank
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Address: Horseshoe Curve, 2400 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Altoona, PA 16601, USA
