Railroad, PA
Railroad is the first small town outside your NCR window. Only 2 miles away, Railroad is a 15 minute train ride one way. NCR often partners with Railroad businesses: Ale Craft Brewery, Capt. Bob’s Crabs and The Jackson House Bed & Breakfast. NCR also works with the borough of Railroad to use their Railroad Borough park for campfires and other events.
Railroad Borough’s original name, Shrewsbury Station, reveals its origin. In 1838, the coming of the railroad led to the establishment of a station just a mile west, and down the hill, from Shrewsbury Borough (est. 1834). It is likely that locals making the downhill trip to “the rail road” gave the future borough its name. The 1858 establishment of a “Rail Road” post office in town helped guarantee the name change. Railroad would not be incorporated until 1871, but during the mid-1800s it slowly evolved from a rail depot into an industrial suburb. Although it is clear that Railroad’s “boom” occurred just after the turn of the twentieth century, some state that the borough’s most significant years lasted from 1840-1920. This period of industrial development and prosperity is reflected in much of Railroad’s surviving architecture. The enterprising spirit of the Helb Family and G. P. Everhart can still be seen in multiple structures. Railroad’s boom era of industrial growth and community-mindedness is clear from the multipurpose Anstine/Helb Building and Messiah Lutheran Church.
Railroad’s quaintness is deceptive: while it has changed lile since the 1910s, the brick and stone construction of so many buildings and homes betrays a spirit of pride and endurance.
