Program

Historic Transportation

Subject

Site, Transportation

Location

21 W Pennsylvania Ave, Stewartstown, PA 17363, USA

Lat/Long

39.753251735405, -76.59436582686

Grant Recipient

Friends of the Stewartstown Railroad

Chartered in 1884, the Stewartstown Railroad was created in response to the growing need for freight and passenger transportation throughout York County, Pennsylvania. Since then, according to Stewartstown Railroad’s website (linked below,) it remains “one of the oldest, continuously running common-carrier railroad companies (STRT) in existence.”

Considered a “short-line” railroad—meaning it runs a shorter distance than larger Class I railroads and was meant to connect the community to larger rail networks–the Stewartstown Railroad linked the largely agricultural community of Stewartstown to the markets of Baltimore, Harrisburg and York through an interchange in nearby New Freedom. Organized by a group of local citizens, the 7.4-mile track took a year to construct.

In 1914, a new station was built for the Railroad. The York Dispatch Dec. 31, 1914 provides information about the building, stating:

“The new station of the Stewartstown Railroad company is completed and the office was moved from the old building to the new one on Tuesday. The new building is located on Pennsylvania avenue… The building is of good size, made of brick with a slate roof. There is also a second story over the middle part of the building…The interior of the office is furnished in yellow pine.”

As of 2024, the station still stands, and is within view of the historical marker. In fact, the Stewartstown Railroad also remains in operation, thanks to several volunteers who maintain the lines and cars. The Railroad continues to offer many seasonally themed train rides and private charters for those interested in taking a trip back in time.

Links

• Stewartstown Railroad