23. In 1854, a major engineering feat just outside of the city of Altoona, Pennsylvania in Blair County was accomplished by the Pennsylvania Railroad. What was the popular name given to this railroad engineering accomplishment?
From Quiz Arresting Pennsylvania Counties
Answer:
The Horseshoe Curve
The Pennsylvania Railroad's endeavor to connect Pennsylvania to its two major cities from east to west (Philadelphia to Pittsburgh) hit a major obstacle when they reached Altoona, Pennsylvania. From Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Altoona the railroad climbed eight hundred feet or more. To continue over the mountains at the Altoona juncture, the rails would have had to be raised nearly a thousand feet higher. Rather than choose a steep grade up the Allegheny Front, Edgar Thomson, an engineer employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad, resolved this problem by designing a semi-circle of track from which the train would ascend. This engineering feat became known as The Horseshoe Loop. Still in operation and a major railroad buff attraction, The Horseshoe Curve celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 2004. Hollisdayburg, Pennsylvania, one of Blair County's earliest settled cities, is the original home to James Industries, which was the first to design and manufacture Slinkies.
Counties adjacent to Blair County are: Bedford (S), Cambria (W),
Centre (N), Clearfield (NW), and Huntingdon (E) counties.