Historical Significance of the Northern Central Railway
The Northern Central Railway, the route Steam Into History operates over, was a vital transportation artery during the American Civil War. The line ran between Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland providing a direct north-south route in which federal troops and supplies were shuttled to the southern-most reaches of Union territory. The railroad’s strategic importance was understood by the Confederates and as such it was targeted by rebel troops during Robert E. Lee’s Invasion of the North in June 1863. Railroad bridges, rolling stock, and telegraph lines along the Northern Central right-of-way were ruthlessly destroyed by the advancing rebel army. The railway was pressed into military service shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg, transporting wounded troops to distant metropolitan hospitals in York, Baltimore, and Harrisburg. Several months later, President Abraham Lincoln and other dignitaries traveled over the line on their way to commemorate the Soldier’s National Cemetery at Gettysburg where Lincoln delivered his now famous address. The president and company boarded their private train in Baltimore and journeyed north over Northern Central tracks to Hanover Junction where they changed trains to continue West. The depot at Hanover Junction where Mr. Lincoln changed trains still stands today and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Much of the surrounding countryside has remained relatively unchanged since Lincoln’s historic journey.
Current Operations
Steam Into History operates a 2 1/2 hour excursion from New Freedom, PA to Hanover Junction and return, and a short 1 hour trip from New Freedom toGlen Rock, Pennsylvania. Motive power is provided by 4-4-0 steam locomotive the “York”, a faithful reproduction of a typical American Standard engine common on North American railroads in the mid to late 19th Century. “York” was custom built by the Kloke Locomotive Works LLC from late 2010 to Spring 2013. Its design was based on O’Connor Engineering blueprints for the replica Union Pacific No. 119 and Central Pacific “Jupiter” locomotives. The Steam into History train typically consists of three passenger coaches, one of which is converted to an open air car through the summer and fall. During each excursion, interpreters in period wardrobe offer historical commentary for passengers. Their narration provides insight into the importance of the railroad and its neighboring communities during the Civil War years and thereafter. Special events planned for train rides throughout the year, such as musical entertainers and character reenactments, help support and complement the historical atmosphere of the railroad. Steam into History's two-hour excursion terminates at the Hanover Junction Depot where a brief layover provides an opportunity to explore the station museum.
Coach 213, loaned from the Tavares, Eustis & Gulf Railroad.
Open Air Car 101, loaned from the Tavares, Eustis & Gulf Railroad.
Both 702 and 213 served as the main passenger consist from June 1 to September 29, 2013 while SIH's coach and combine were constructed by the Reader Railroad.
