The Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton interurban railroad had an incredible
profile through the rugged mountains in North East Pennsylvania's coal
country. Here it made history by pioneering the protected third-rail.
The line was established in 1903, and for a time, was the primary means
of transportation between Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre.
A significant part on the line went through the Mountain Top area, and
due to its convenience, many of the wealthier people of both Hazleton and
Wilkes-Barre built summer homes in the area and used the line
for convenient access. Like other interurban lines however, it fell to the
onslaught of the automobile and was abandoned in 1933.
Today much of the rail bed is still in existence through the Mountain
Top area along with several of the structures built to support the line.
An excellent history of the line
has been compiled and is available for your online viewing pleasure.
Just click on the link to download it in a readable PDF file format. |
