Location Description

Steam Into History operates an authentic replica Civil War train on ten miles of the original Northern Central Railway between New Freedom, Pa., and Hanover Junction, Pa. The locomotive, “York #17 William H. Simpson,” is a faithful, full size reproduction of a wood burning American 4-4-0 engine, the type of which dominated this country’s railscape during the mid-19th century. Our locomotive pulls three cars; a combine (combination baggage and passenger car), a full passenger car, and a “Four Season” car, which is open during warm weather and can be enclosed for colder weather. All are designed to fit the era depicted by the locomotive, with the passenger and combine cars being the most authentic in appearance. The route traveled by our train follows the picturesque Codorus Creek and includes lush vegetation, bucolic rural areas, farmland, small towns with old farmhouses and mills, ending at the historic railroad station at Hanover Junction. This station has been restored to its 1863 appearance when President Abraham Lincoln stopped there on his way to deliver the Gettysburg Address. Comparisons with the original Mathew Brady photographs in the Library of Congress attest to the fidelity of the restoration. The combination of period-correct train, largely untouched landscape, and genuinely historic destination provides an authentic period setting and significant production value.

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