Founded in 1856, the East Broad Top began as one of many narrow gauge railways carrying lumber, ore, coal, and passengers. Old number 12 and her five sisters puffed and snorted between Mount Union and Woodvale for several decades, but by 1956, the EBT was the last operating narrow gauge steam line east of the Rock Mountains. The railroad was forced to shut down that same year due to slumping coal demand and competition from roadways.

That's when the Kovalchick Salvage Company of Indiana, PA purchased the EBT and president Nick Kovalchick and his family chose to preserve the railway for future generations. In 1960, the Kovalchicks operated their first tourist train after much hard work and dedication by volunteers and former employees to reopen the line. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964, the EBT is also the most complete historic railroad site in North America.

The EBT continues to operate tourist trains on weekends from June through October including some special events. Our equipment ranges from passenger cars built in the 1880's to steam locomotives from the 1910's to speeders from the 1920's and later. Private charters are also available during the week. The Rockhill Trolley Museum, Pennsylvania's oldest operating trolley museum, is located next door and operates over the former EBT Shade Gap Branch.

Railways to Yesterday, operators of the Rockhill Trolley Museum, and Friends of the East Broad Top, Inc. are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and are not affiliated with the East Broad Top Railroad.

PLEASE NOTE: The EBTRR&CCo reserves the right to substitute motive power and equipment and change the schedule as demand and availability warrant without notice. We are not responsible for insufficient capacity. Operation of trackcars is also subject to weather in addition to demand and availability.