Around Cresson and the Alleghenies (Images of America)

The Allegheny Mountains constantly challenged early settlers touse their creativity and skills to conquer what seemed an almostinsurmountable barrier. The founding fathers recognized potentialin the area both as a resort and as a thriving town that would attractindustry. Through hard work and innovation, an all-rail route over themountains was established, linking the area with important industrialand trade centers. Many people came to Cresson to enjoy the healthand recreational benefits of its natural springs, and the area’s “pike”afforded the first stage link between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.When the Pennsylvania Railroad established headquarters here, with aroundhouse, machine shops, and branch lines, the area entered an era ofindustrial prosperity.I n this remarkable volume, over 200 rare images are combines withinformative and insightful text. Early views of the famous HorseshoeCurve, the Gallitzin Tunnels, and the Mountain House are delightfullyintertwined with photographs of homes, workplaces, churches, and thepeople who made the area prosper and grow. Readers visit Loretto, atown founded by “A Prince-Priest, Demetrius A. Gallitzin, Apostle ofthe Alleghenies” and they are transported to Portage and Lilly, areas ofwoodlands that gave rise to numerous sawmills.