Despite the US’s reliance on railroads for transporting goods throughout the country, the industry is only a fraction of what it used to be. 

The same industry that built the fortunes of Cornelius Vanderbilt, George Pullman, and Jay Gould more than 100 years ago now operates at a small percentage of its former peak.

In the last century:

• Active track mileage has dropped from 254,000 miles at its peak to about 140,000 miles (~45% reduction).
• Employment has dropped by approximately 90%. Some of that is to be expected with the rise of new technologies and automation, but 90% is significant. 

For many railfans around the country, this is heartbreaking. These railways and trains have become more than a hobby—they’ve become a community. 

That’s why railroad preservation is so important. By protecting the heritage that helped grow the United States, we also protect the ties that link us together. 

Table of Contents
What is railroad preservation?
How can you get involved with railroad preservation?
Railroad Preservation at The Station Inn
Experience Railroad History At The Station Inn

What is railroad preservation?

Railroad preservation is the effort to save, restore, and maintain historic tracks, trains, stations, buildings, museums, and other railroad structures. 

In our Pittsburgh-Cresson area, some of the best examples include:

• Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark – The Horseshoe Curve is deeply tied to our nation’s industrial past and economic growth, and it was once so important to our WWII efforts that the Nazis plotted to blow it up! Today, this landmark preserves an incredible engineering marvel and provides an incredible view of the passing trains. 
• Railroaders Memorial Museum – The railroad industry once made Altoona one of Pennsylvania’s biggest, most exciting cities, and it became an epicenter of culture, shopping, and industrialization. Utilizing a number of former PRR shop buildings, this museum works to honor the men and women who helped shape Altoona and the rest of America. 
• PA Trolley Museum – Before cars, buses, and Uber, trolleys were the go-to option for traveling through major cities. Washington County’s trolley museum features 50+ cars while preserving incredible touchstones of our past. 
• East Broad Top – The team at East Broad Top works to preserve the tracks and trains from this historic organization—one that once specialized in a dual-gauge approach. We should also mention that our current artist-in-residence, historian Julie Fether, was the first professional archivist at East Broad Top!

How can you get involved with railroad preservation?

Here are a few ways you can promote and support railroad preservation in your region and throughout the country: 

1. Volunteer with a local museum
2. Join a preservation society
3. Follow railfanning best practices

1. Volunteer With A Local Museum

A recent article by American Rails counted about 60+ museums and historical preservation organizations across 20 states. 

Many of these need volunteers to support:

• Maintenance
• Events
• Marketing
• And more

2. Join A Preservation Society

Railroad preservation societies and historical organizations stretch throughout the United States, and you’ll likely find one in your region, especially if you’re near any major cities. 

The most popular option is the National Railway Historical Society, which has worked to preserve US railways since 1935. Today, it boasts more than 13,000 members all over the country! Plus, it even hosts massive annual events where you can connect with other members and industry leaders. 

Of course, you’ll find other societies dotted throughout the US. Other popular ones include:

• Conrail Historical Society – The CRHS preserves Conrail’s history and legacy, along with quite a bit of equipment.  
• Midwest Railway Preservation Society – The MRPS works to honor and preserve the traditions and railways that stretch through northeast Ohio—and that were essential to the economic growth in cities like Cleveland. 
• Ma & Pa Railroad Preservation Society – The historic Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad (“Ma & Pa”) once stretched from York, PA, to Baltimore, and this society is working to preserve sections of the track and cars that once stretched along this line. 
• Railroad & Industrial Preservation Society – The RIPS is a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that’s currently focused on the full operational restoration of the Lehigh & New England Railroad Locomotive No. 611.

3. Follow Railfanning Best Practices

We frequently talk about railfan etiquette in our train photography articles, and good manners really is one of the most effective ways to preserve the railroads we love so much—especially if you love visiting the railways as much as we do. 

That means following rules like:

1. Leave No Trace – Haul out your own trash, and never interfere with the local wildlife or landscape.
2. Follow Local Laws – Pay attention to “No Trespassing” signs and be respectful of fences and other deterrents. 
3. Stay Safe – We all love seeing trains up close, but train-related fatalities are all too common. Read our railfan safety tips to learn more. 

Railroad Preservation at The Station Inn

Our building was actually constructed in 1866 as a summer retreat for Pittsburghers looking to escape the big city by unwinding in the hills of Cresson, PA. Then known as “The Callan House,” the property eventually became The Commercial Hotel, and later an apartment building. 

But in 1993, the late Tom Davis bought the property. He was a humble railfan and retired school administrator from New Jersey, and he wanted to spend his retirement serving fellow railfans. 

The Altoona area was the perfect destination, and our building overlooks the busy Norfolk Southern mainline. 

Tom bought the apartment building and converted the property into a rail-themed B&B (and even started renovating the basement bar and restaurant, which is now the Yard Office Lounge).

Sadly, Tom suffered a stroke in 2017, and the resulting health issues eventually led to his passing away in 2021. He left behind a beautiful legacy of hospitality, warm friendship, and unwavering support for the railroad community. 

We’ve kept Tom in our hearts since purchasing the Inn in 2022, and we’ve worked to honor the history of this incredible property through every improvement and renovation we’ve made over the last few years, from finalizing the restoration of The Yard Office Lounge to hosting annual pilgrimages for large groups like the Abeles:

Another important initiative has been our Artist-In-Residence Program, which celebrates artists, photographers, and historians who’ve contributed so much to our community. 

Our first artist-in-residence featured the incomparable Michael Froio, a talented photographer whose work has captured the history, culture, and narratives of the railroad community. 

Today, we’re proud to feature Julie Fether, a historian who’s best known as the first professional archivist for the East Broad Top. 

Experience Railroad History At The Station Inn

Step back in time by visiting The Station Inn, and be sure to explore our region to see everything it has to offer. 

Book a room today to get started. 

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