A photograph of The Summit Branch locomotive that operated on the Summit Branch Railroad in the late 19th Century. This railroad operated from Williamstown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, to Millersburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, a distance of about 20 miles, and connected at Millersburg with the Northern Central Railroad.
According to known information, “this locomotive (34 tons, 10 wheels)… was built by McKay and Alders of East Boston… under the direction of George P. Sangor with a view to burning… coal, instead of wood…. The experiment proved entirely successful, and in consequence… the locomotives George P. Upton and Lara Nash [were altered] in a similar manned and with equal success….” It was added to the rolling stock of the railroad in 1867.
There are seven men pictured from left to right. None have been identified.
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This photograph appeared in the Sesquicentennial History of Williamstown and Williams Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, published in 1976. For availability of copies of this book, contact the Williamstown and Williams Township Historical Society, 115 W. Market Street, Williamstown, Pennsylvania 17098.