In this book, the author brings history alive with the stunning tale of three interconnected-- but little-known-- events in American history. These are the Nazi plot during World War II to destroy the Horseshoe Curve; the FBI's search of the homes of 225 Altoonans on July 1, 1942 as "alien enemies" and the internment by the U.S. of 15,000 German and Italian Americans; and the personal and organizational drama of the founding of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the building of the Horseshoe Curve. This book seamlessly blends information from over 300 actual historical sources including FBI files acquired through the Freedom of Information Act.

The Horseshoe Curve is known worldwide as an engineering achievement by the Pennsylvania Railroad. This landmark, located just west of Altoona, opened to traffic on February 15, 1854, and it enabled a railroad line to climb the Allegheny Mountains and the eastern continental divide. The Horseshoe Curve's construction impacted railroad design and development for mountainous terrain everywhere, enabling access to coal and other raw materials essential for the industrial age. J. Edgar Thomson, chief engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad, is widely recognized for his engineering and design of the Horseshoe Curve, a concept never utilized previously. Today the curve is still in use and sees approximately 70 trains daily. Through vintage photographs, Horseshoe Curve chronicles how this marvel remains one of the vital transportation arteries linking the east and west coasts of the United States.

Explores the Pennsy main line from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and the three divisions that operated it. Photos and explanations trace the line's electric, steam, and diesel locomotives in all their glory.

The Allegheny Mountains constantly challenged early settlers to use their creativity and skills to conquer what seemed an almost insurmountable barrier. The founding fathers recognized potential in the area both as a resort and as a thriving town that would attract industry. Through hard work and innovation, an all-rail route over the mountains was established, linking the area with important industrial and trade centers. Many people came to Cresson to enjoy the health and 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 a roundhouse, machine shops, and branch lines, the area entered an era of industrial prosperity. I n this remarkable volume, over 200 rare images are combines with informative and insightful text. Early views of the famous Horseshoe Curve, the Gallitzin Tunnels, and the Mountain House are delightfully intertwined with photographs of homes, workplaces, churches, and the people who made the area prosper and grow. Readers visit Loretto, a town founded by "A Prince-Priest, Demetrius A. Gallitzin, Apostle of the Alleghenies" and they are transported to Portage and Lilly, areas of woodlands that gave rise to numerous sawmills.