The Pittsburgh, Lisbon and Western Railroad

The railroad that followed the North Fork of the Little Beaver Creek and served the towns, Lisbon, Ohio, to New Galilee, Pennsylvania.  In the coming months a detailed history of the railroad will be published.  If your a railroader and a local history buff, you will find the PL&W more than a short line.

November 11, 1944, Number22 "the doodlebug" made its last run from Signal,Ohio, to New Galilee,Pa.. This was the last surviving trolley in Beaver County and perhaps the last interstate service in the nation. This picture was taken in New Galilee about 4:00 PM. Note the cement platform to the left of #22 where Mr. Ramponi unloaded the mail in 1924.  Today that is all that remains but in the memories of those who waited and watched the Doodlebug.   Mr.Herbert Baumgartner(left) and Mr. George McClain, motorman and conductor.

The White Clay Mine in South Beaver was the largest coal operation served on the PL&W.  The 0-4-2 "dinky" engine and cars operated on a 39" gauge that traversed several miles in what is today the State Game Lands between Cole Road and Sterling Road.  An incline railroad behind and to the right of the picture served the upper operation. The writing on the photograph belongs to Chalmers Elder, a resident of the nearby Elder farm and noted  local historian.  The PL&W and White Mine operation is one of the first open pits in the nation.   Tracks were laid from thr main line in Cannelton in 1917, and the mine operated from 1919-1932. At times four PL&W trains would depart the mines to New Galilee. Engines, cars, tracks, steam shovels were sadly left behind when the easy coal was gone. The tipple was torn down in 1935.  In 1940 the abandoned equipment was scrapped for the war effort.  Today only a railroad grade across the North Fork of the Little Beaver leads to this past siding on the PL&W.

A rare doubleheader of former PM&C #5; locomotive later became PL&W #5, 4-6-0. Pushing on the grade to Signal is former PM&C #4, 4-4-0.  #4 was sold to W&LE in 1904 and #5 was retired before 1920.

  A rare shot of character and distinction at the Elkton Station looking west on the PL&W at the turn of the century.  Located on the property of the Armstrong farm, the picture reflects the cultural and societal importance of the PL&W.  This photo was graciously provided by the Lisbon Historical Society.