West Chester Railroad Heritage Association
Cause Area
- Arts & Culture
- Sports & Recreation
Location
500 S ADAMS STWEST CHESTER, PA 19382 United States
Organization Information
Mission Statement
The West Chester Railroad Heritage Association is an all-volunteer, not for profit corporation which is totally dependent upon the volunteer spirit of its members to conduct operations of the West Chester Railroad. The purpose of the WCRHA is to collect, preserve, and exhibit railroad equipment and artifacts relating to railroading with emphasis on the southeastern Pennsylvania region; to operate a demonstration railroad for the education and enjoyment of the public. In order to accomplish this mission, the following goals have been established: 1. The WCRHA shall acquire equipment, documents, and artifacts relating to railroading. 2. The WHRHA shall work to preserve and restore equipment, documents, and artifacts so as to present to the public an accurate picture of railroad history. 3. The WCRHA shall interpret the equipment and artifacts for the public. Publications will be available to the membership and public.
Description
The West Chester Railroad is a tourist railroad along the beautiful Chester Creek Valley in Pennsylvania. We are conveniently located 45 minutes outside Philadelphia. We offer a variety of nostalgic 90 minute train trips and special events throughout the year.
Over 160 years ago when most people in this country had never seen or heard of a Railroad, the businessmen and community leaders of West Chester, PA. chartered the "West Chester Railroad Company." It became one of the nation's earliest railroads through an act in the Pennsylvania legislature in 1831. A quarter century later, West Chester got its second railroad, the "West Chester & Philadelphia Railroad," which opened on November 11, 1858. Both became part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system by 1881, when they were known as the "Frazer branch" and "Media branch," respectively.
For the next eighty-nine years, the Market Street station was West Chester's gateway to the world. Penn Central and SEPTA continued to carry passengers until 1986. For a nearly decade, the line remained unused until a group of railroad enthusiasts approached the Borough of West Chester about restoring service. Today the new West Chester Railroad Company is 100% volunteer operated by members of the West Chester Railroad Heritage Association, who are dedicated to preserving the "Media branch" of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Thanks to their efforts, one of the nation's oldest "Fallen Flags" now flies again, bringing rail service back to West Chester!
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