​MAPPING

 

The map segments presented herein are based on the latest U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7-1/2 minute topographic maps obtained electronically from MyTopo.com (www.map-pass/mytopo.com).   Each map segment depicts an area slightly larger than 7 miles by 5-1/2 miles.

 

In addition to the 7-1/2 minute based USGS maps obtained via MyTopo.com, key aids relied upon for mapping were:

• 15-minute topographic maps via U.S. Geological Survey: (https://store.usgs.gov/ (The USGS Store, Map Locator and Downloader)

• Abandoned Rails: (http://www.abandonedrails.com/Pennsylvania)

• Google Earth/My Places: Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railroads.kmz [not a direct link]

• PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (http://www.explorepatrails.com)

• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (http://www.traillink.org)

 

Map Segments

A total of 113 map panels (map segments) are included; in general, the map segments overlap to reduce the chance that map edges distort or obscure features of interest.  The MAP INDEX AND GRID page includes an alphabetical listing or index of the map segments presented and a "grid" (EAST and WEST sections) showing  the map segments in their relative geographic positions.  Clicking on the name of any segment will show the map.

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The rail routes shown on the maps are believed to be representative of the early 20th century, including the peak anthracite production years.  Assigning specific dates to individual routes would have been very difficult, if indeed possible; not all lines can be said to have been operating in any given year.

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Rail routes mapped are as believed to have existed early in the 20th century at or near the time of peak anthracite production.

 

Color Key

The key to the rail routes indicated on the maps is:

                                        Status                                     Color     Line type

​Rail routes currently in use (including "spur routes")

• By Reading, Blue Mtn and Northern RR (RBMN)      Blue        Solid  

• By others (see APPENDIX B)                                     Red        Solid

Rails-to-trails (see APPENDIX D)

(some appear not to have been rail routes)

• Existing trail                                                                Green      Solid

• Planned trail                                                               Green     Dashed

Abandoned rail routes (excluding rails-to-trails)

• Through routes, location definite                               Black       Solid

• Through routes, location approximate                       Black      Dashed

• Spur routes or cutoffs, location definite                    Purple      Solid

• Spur routes or cutoffs, location approximate            Purple     Dashed

 

Note:

 

• Dashed alternating colors indicate either individual, parallel lines too close to distinguish on the maps or known joint use of route.

• "Spur routes" appear to have connected individual mines to "through" routes.

• The "purple" of the "spur routes" is not easiy distinguished from black.

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Pre-1900 Rail Routes​

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Rail routes known to have been abandoned prior to 1900 are intentionally not mapped. These routes included many short, mine-to-through line or mine-to-canal, or gravity lines, many with wooden rails and without locomotive power.

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Key Appendices

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APPENDIX B is an index to the individual rail lines or rail segments shown on the maps.  (Distinguishing individual lines and line segments is quite arbitrary in some cases.) 

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APPENDIX C lists the "special features" located on the maps, each identified as "S-__."

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APPENDIX D lists the "rails-to-trails" depicted on the maps, each identified as "T-__."

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