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The curve's importance to railroad traffic in America was such that the [[Nazi]]s planned to attack it during [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/Justices/pfeifer/column/2004/jp012104.asp| title=The Nazi Saboteurs| author=Pfeifer, Paul E.| year=[[2004-01-21]]| accessdate=2006-06-15| }}</ref> The curve was designated as a [[National Historic Landmark]] in [[1966]], and is now a part of the [[National Register of Historic Places]].
The curve's importance to railroad traffic in America was such that the [[Nazi]]s planned to attack it during [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/Justices/pfeifer/column/2004/jp012104.asp| title=The Nazi Saboteurs| author=Pfeifer, Paul E.| year=[[2004-01-21]]| accessdate=2006-06-15| }}</ref> The curve was designated as a [[National Historic Landmark]] in [[1966]], and is now a part of the [[National Register of Historic Places]].


The curve is also a popular international meeting place for [[railfan]]s. The curve inspired the name of Altoona's [[minor league baseball]] team, the [[Altoona Curve]].
The curve is also a popular international meeting place for [[railfan]]s, foamers, and trainspotters. The curve inspired the name of Altoona's [[minor league baseball]] team, the [[Altoona Curve]].


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Revision as of 10:22, 24 June 2007

Horseshoe Curve
Satellite view of Horseshoe Curve, west of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Trains headed counterclockwise around the curve are going uphill.
Nearest cityAltoona, Pennsylvania
Built1852
ArchitectPennsylvania Railroad
NRHP reference No.66000647 [1]
Added to NRHPNovember 13, 1966

Horseshoe Curve is a famous railroad curve in central Pennsylvania in the United States (it is a horseshoe curve). It was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad and later used by the Penn Central, then Conrail, and currently Norfolk Southern Railway. It is located in Kittanning Gap at the summit of the Allegheny Front, approximately 5 miles (8 km) west of Altoona. The bend is a tight arc of approximately 220 degrees. It comprises two separate curves; on the north side, the radius measures 637 ft (194 m), tightening to 609 ft (186 m) on the south side. The curve was built in response to the difficulty of constructing a railroad through the summit of the Allegheny Mountains. It was designed by J. Edgar Thomson and opened on February 15, 1854. It was such an important location, that it was guarded by Union soldiers during the American Civil War and a number of additional conflicts.

The curve has been in nearly continuous operation since 1854. Originally comprising two tracks, it was widened to four tracks in 1898–1900. Conrail removed one of the tracks in 1981 and the Curve remains in this three-track configuration. It has long been a popular tourist attraction, visitable via a funicular railway running to a small park built by the PRR in 1879 at the summit of the ridge.

The curve's importance to railroad traffic in America was such that the Nazis planned to attack it during World War II.[2] The curve was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1966, and is now a part of the National Register of Historic Places.

The curve is also a popular international meeting place for railfans, foamers, and trainspotters. The curve inspired the name of Altoona's minor league baseball team, the Altoona Curve.

Panoramic view of Horseshoe Curve on the Pennsylvania Railroad – October 12 1934

See also

References

  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2006-03-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ Pfeifer, Paul E. (2004-01-21). "The Nazi Saboteurs". Retrieved 2006-06-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
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