Details
Creator Taylor, Frank H. (Frank Hamilton), 1846-1927
Title All Aboard for Pittsburgh! 1840
Date ca. 1922
Description Reproduction of a drawing of a mid 19th-century scene showing mules pulling a flatbed containing a sectional packet boat bound for Pittsburgh via railroad, canal, and river. Depicts the ferry "Sarah Jane," teeming with passengers, awaiting departure from in front of the Merchants' Exchange. Surrounding the boat section are a crowd of well-wishers and passer-bys, including an African American man carrying a trunk.
Notes The efforts of Pennsylvania to develop traffic and travel between the seaboard and the interior of the country resulted in the last century in a vast expenditure of public and corporate money upon canals and rail lines which have long since ceased their functions. A picturesque feature of travel to the West, in the early forties, is shown in this drawing, which is based upon the recollections of old citizens. While the point of departure for the sectional packets was, generally, from Broad and Vine streets, it is stated that both freight and passenger boats were hauled by mules from Dock street, being upon eight-wheeled rail-cars, and taken to the foot of Belmont incline, via High, Broad and Willow streets to Fairmount and Columbia Bridge. Raised upon inclined plane by stream, they were placed, near Belmont, upon the State Railroad and pilled by horse-power to Columbia. Here the sections of the boats were united and proceeded via the Susquehanna and Juniata canals to Hollidaysburg. Thence the sections were transported over the mountains by the once famous Portage inclines. From Johnstown the journey to Pittsburgh was via the Conemaugh and Alleghany rivers. The through trip occupied four and a half days.
Taylor Catalog Number: 132
Is part of Frank H. Taylor Collection
Identifier Taylor - Case 10-14 [2717.F]