The Rise and Fall of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Part 1

Category: Season 11

James Bennet, Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Jim Bennett is a lifelong rail fan and comes from a railroad background. Both his grandfathers worked on the Pennsylvania and Western Maryland Railroads. Jim has served as a member of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania Visitors Services Department for many years. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

This engaging session provides an insightful overview of the Pennsylvania Railroad’s history, highlighting how its growth and innovations shaped the nation’s development and economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We’ll explore the key factors behind its success, from its vast network to technological advancements, and how they helped propel the country forward. The session also covers the dramatic 1962 merger with its rival and the financial struggles that led to its bankruptcy two years later, offering a fascinating look at the rise and fall of one of America’s most influential railroads.