Scranton, PA

When steam railroads ruled and coal was king, Scranton found itself on a seemingly unending upward spiral. In the late 18^th century, the area became known for its deposits of iron ore, prompting the settlement of Slocum Hollow—a small town named after an early family that built an iron forge. Upon further investigation, residents also discovered abundant stores of anthracite coal, which unlike its bituminous cousin, was hard, burned at a high temperature for a long period, and produced less smoke and dust. From 1820 to 1970, it is estimated that more than 3 billion tons of anthracite coal were mined in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Attracted to these natural resources, entrepreneurs such as the Scranton family moved into the Lackawanna River valley. In 1840, the Scrantons began operating blast furnaces for the manufacture of wrought iron. After a fitful start, the company found its niche in 1846 when it contracted with the New York and Erie Railroad to provide “T” rails, which had become the railroads’ preferred track components. Until the mid-19^th century, rails had to be imported from Great Britain, but the Scrantons soon captured a large share of the market. By the 1860s their company was one of the largest iron producers in the nation.

To move their rails and other products, the Scrantons then focused on transportation by investing in local railroads. As a result of their intervention, three existing companies were merged to form the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad (DL&W) in 1853. With a system spreading throughout northeastern Pennsylvania into New Jersey and New York, the DL&W dominated the region for the next century. In 1908, it opened a new $600,000 station in downtown Scranton—now a hotel—that is noted for its grand, marble clad waiting room embellished with 36 Grueby faience art tile murals depicting scenery along DL&W routes. 

Although regular passenger service ended in 1970, Scranton’s rail heritage remains highly visible, especially at Steamtown National Historic Site, located at the former DL&W rail yard. Established in 1986, and built around the collection of steam locomotives and rolling stock acquired by F. Nelson Blount, the park allows visitors to explore the history of steam railroading through exhibits and lectures, locomotive shop demonstrations, and excursion train rides. Railfest, held each September, is a popular festival that brings together fans of the steam era.

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In cooperation with the National Park Service, a limited edition National Parks Passport Cancellation Stamp has been created with the Amtrak 40th Anniversary Exhibit Train.  The cancellation stamp will be available for one year and only at select stops along the tour—such as this one. Collectors will appreciate this cancellation stamp as a unique addition to their National Park Service passport. Find out more information on the National Park Service Passport Cancellation program.