Horseshoe Curve
Why it's listed
Built between 1852 and 1854 in Logan's Narrows, about five miles southwest of Altoona, Pennsylvania, Horseshoe Curve is a 2,375-foot railroad curve with a central angle of 220 degrees. Pennsylvania Railroad engineers faced a dead-end valley and reached the far ridge by filling Kittanning Run, cutting into the face of Kittanning Point, and filling Glenwhite Run. This lowered the grade on the eastern approach to the Allegheny summit to a practical level. The line was placed in service in 1854 with two tracks, and the completed curve linked the railroad's eastern and western divisions, helping establish the Pennsylvania Railroad as a leading carrier. The curve was later expanded to four tracks, and the rails were transposed to spread wear. It is regarded as one of the outstanding examples of antebellum railroad engineering in the country.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the curve is one of the most remarkable examples of antebellum railroad engineering and construction in the United States. Its completion joined the eastern and western divisions of the Pennsylvania Railroad, contributing to that railroad's rise. The engineering solved a steep-grade problem by filling two ravines and cutting into a mountain face.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 66000647, listed November 13, 1966. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 5 mi. W of Altoona on PA 193, Altoona |
|---|---|
| County | Blair County |
| Listed | November 13, 1966 |
| Reference number | 66000647 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1852-54 |
| Areas of significance | Engineering, Transportation |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated November 13, 1966 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | The curve has been enlarged from two to four tracks and remains a vital part of the Penn Central Railroad; a steam locomotive and a caboose are on permanent display at a nearby park. |
| Acreage | 8 |
| Coordinates | 40.49753, -78.48613 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 66000647.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q42730
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.