Philadelphia & Columbia Railroad
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
One of America's earliest railroads, authorized by the state legislature in 1828 and completed in 1834. Stretching 82 miles west to the Susquehanna, it was powered first by horses, later by steam. Part of a state-owned transportation system, including the Pennsylvania canal, built in response to intense competition from adjacent states. Acquired by the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. in 1857. Stone blocks placed for the original track have remained visible here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Authorized by the Pennsylvania legislature in 1828 and completed in 1834, the Philadelphia & Columbia Railroad was among the earliest railroads in America, running 82 miles west to the Susquehanna River. Its cars were first pulled by horses and later by steam locomotives, and it formed part of a state-owned network—including the Pennsylvania canal—built to keep the commonwealth competitive with rival states scrambling for western trade. The Pennsylvania Railroad absorbed the line in 1857, and stone blocks laid for the original track can still be seen here.
Why it matters
This pioneering public works project captures the frantic transportation race of the early republic, when states gambled on canals and rails to seize the commerce of a growing nation.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia4.5 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center4.6 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center4.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer4.7 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center4.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall4.7 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir1.5 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge1.8 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo2.0 mi away
- American Bandstand2.6 mi away
- Rocky Steps2.9 mi away
- The Universal Sphere3.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King4.6 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory4.6 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe4.6 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Dunkin'4.6 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca4.6 mi away
- Time & Peace4.6 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia4.0 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center4.1 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- The Notary Hotel4.1 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City4.1 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA4.2 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown4.2 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related events
- · Completion of the Philadelphia & Columbia Railroad, 1834
Themes & tags
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