Hey y’all, questions…
What was the Port Road called when it was operated under the Pennsy? Since hiring on with NS and traveling on the Port Road regularly, I’m curious on its history and what it used to look like, but I can’t find anything when searching “The Port Road.”
I’d like to know where I could find information and pictures on the Port Road from Harrisburg and Enola east to Perryville where it connects to the NEC. I’ve talked with some of the more experienced engineers from Baltimore’s NS Bayview Yard, and the stories they’ve told me…I’d like to see what the Port Road used to look like so I have a better understanding.
Anyone? Please and thank you! [:p]
The Port Road used to be electrified from Perryville, MD to Columbia, PA, Marietta, PA, Royalton, PA, and to Enola. In addition there was a small yard in Perryville near the Susquehanna River Other than that there are few major changes I can think of. As far as I can recall it was always known as the Port Road in recent years.
It’s named after Port Deposit MD, which was at the foot of canal navigation on the ancient Susquehanna canal. The tidewater mark for Chesapeake Bay, it is now home to the rich and gotta be healthy who can climb the often rock-hewn steps to their homes on the bluff. Boating under B&O’s Garrett bridge and out to the bay looked pretty cool when I last camped there.
Set up my camp on a semi-flat rock that extended out from the Frenchtown shore but forgot the river was tidal. Woke up around 7am to find my lower self and tent halfway into a little pool. A blue heron zoomed in to watch my AM cookery.
Parts of the canal are still visible up to Conowingo dam. Above there the canal was mostly dam and pool (slackwater).
The railroad was Northern Central prior to Pennsy absorbing it.
Used to be huge catties and perch above Conowingo and the streams on the eastern side were stocked with brookies.
The road has so many curves that the power comes roaring past and you can see 2 or 3 segments way behind on the river’s outcroppings and nothing in the coves.
My kind of territory!!!
rixflix
In Pennsy times the line was called the Columbia & Port Deposit RR (Or C&PD). Officially it ran from Cola Tower to Perryville. Lots of old time pictures and history in the book “Triumph VI” by Roberts and Measer.
As for the pics, google “Fallen Flags” a great website with lots of pics.
Pick up a copy of Triumph II (by David Messer/Barnard,Roberts). A ton of info.