Re-Discovering the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad

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When the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad connected the iron mines in Rittenhouse gap with the Lock Ridge Furnace, a major industrial region was created in the townships of Lower Macungie and Longswamp. The railroad hauled iron ore, limestone and coal from the mines to Lock Ridge and to other furnaces along the Lehigh River. For several decades, our local iron industry was a national leader. Once the iron furnaces shut down in the early 20th century, traffic on the Catasauqua and Fogelsville declined; many of the routes were abandoned. But the remnants of the mines, the railroad, the furnace, and their impact on the community, are still quite evident. This presentation will follow the personal connections of five men to the railroad and relate how they uncovered the story of the railroad and the iron industry, and its meaning for all of us today. Please join us and learn what remains of this once-vital transportation link in our communities. This is a joint hosted event by the Macungie, Lower Macungie, Alburtis-Lockridge and Longswamp Township Historical Societies. The event is free of charge and open to the public of all ages. The Macungie Institute is handicap accessible.