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November 17, 2018 -
Begins at 3:00 PM
The Mauch Chunk Switchback: America’s Pioneer Railroad
Saturday, November 17 at 3:00pm
Explore the fascinating history of the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway with historian Vince Hydro, who literally wrote the book on the subject. Originally constructed by Lehigh Canal founder Josiah White as a means to transport coal from the mountain-top mines to the canal below, the Switchback eventually became a Victorian-era tourist attraction and inspired America’s love of roller-coasters. Hydro will lead a 45-minute talk followed by a book-signing. The talk is free with National Canal Museum admission. Also don’t miss the special exhibition, Powering America: Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Railroads, which contains artifacts from the Switchback.
