Preserving America’s Railroad
& Industrial History
Protecting and preserving one of America’s most important heritage sites while creating economic opportunity for the communities we serve
More Than Just A Ride
The East Broad Top Railroad is far more than just a scenic train ride. It is a living museum that stands as a monument to early American industry and the people, machinery, and ingenuity that moved our nation’s economy. As stewards of this legacy, the EBT Foundation aims to protect, preserve, and operate this National Historic Landmark to entertain visitors from around the world, educate the public on the importance of the site, and create economic opportunity.
The East Broad Top Railroad National Historic Landmark in Orbisonia, Pennsylvania, (hereafter referred to as the EBT) is the oldest surviving narrow-gauge railroad east of the Rocky Mountains. It has been described as an “incomparable national treasure, comprising a site, a set of historic buildings and facilities, a community and a spirit that are – taken together – unique in this country. . . Nowhere in North America does such a complete and original industrial historic site exist.” The EBT was designated as a national historic landmark in 1964 and is nationally significant in the fields of commerce and transportation. The EBT is the best remaining example in the nation of a regional narrow-gauge railroad system. The EBT system probably offers the only opportunity in the nation to tell a comprehensive railroad industry story. The railroad is also a nationally significant, historic industrial workplace where relics from the technological age of steam can still be seen, heard, and smelled.
- United States Department of the Interior National Park Service
Study of Alternatives for the Preservation of the East Broad Top Railroad
December 1990
The Foundation
The EBT Foundation (EBTF), a 501(c)3 entity, has reopened the railroad and its shop complex with a commitment not only to provide excursions behind its narrow-gauge steam locomotives, but also to showcase a piece of our nation’s industrial and transportation heritage through the stabilization, preservation, and restoration of its totally intact and operable machine-shop complex. The enterprise will not only be a world-class heritage preservation effort, but it will also be a vital force to stimulate regional economic development, which is an equally important part of our overall vision and our plan. The economic benefits will be very significant, especially for a region with an overabundance of economically challenged communities. It will drive regional tourism, complementing Raystown Lake which sees over a million visitors a year. With the ultimate build-out of the railroad to Robertsdale and Mount Union, the East Broad Top will be the premier heritage railroad site east of the Rocky Mountains.
About
the Foundation
Learn who we are and what drives our mission to preserve this national historic landmark
About
the Railroad
Learn more about the EBT’s 150 years of railroad and industrial history.
Archives and Special Collections
Explore our extensive digital collection and learn more about our Archive program
Our Focus
Preserving · Protecting · Educating · Sustaining
Supporting Operations & Re-Connecting Communities
The East Broad Top Foundation’s Track and Expansion initiative is a cornerstone of our mission to preserve and revitalize America’s oldest narrow gauge railroad. By investing in the physical backbone of the railroad, we are not only enabling safe, sustainable operations but also reconnecting the historic communities that were once linked by rail—fostering economic growth, tourism, and preserving local heritage for generations to come.
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Restoring the EBT’s Unique Fleet of Steam Engines & Gas Motors
The East Broad Top Railroad’s fleet of steam engines and gas motors is at the heart of the EBT Foundation’s restoration efforts. These historic locomotives and railcars, symbols of engineering innovation, are revived through meticulous craftsmanship and modern techniques. By bringing them back to life, the Foundation preserves their significance and ensures they continue to captivate visitors, connecting past and present through unforgettable rail experiences.
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Repair & Maintain Train Cars and Increase Capacity
Repairing and maintaining train cars, while increasing capacity, is a key focus of the EBT Foundation. The Foundation restores historic train cars to run on the line they were originally built for, preserving their heritage and functionality. Additionally, the acquisition of new passenger cars increases capacity, providing a modern and comfortable experience for visitors. These efforts combine the EBT’s rich history with today’s needs, ensuring an authentic and exciting rail experience for all.
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Stabilizing, Restoring, and Rebuilding the Railroad’s Historic Structures
These iconic buildings, from the roundhouse and machine shop to the station and ancillary facilities, stand as irreplaceable testaments to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of a bygone era. The EBT Foundation is committed to meticulous restoration efforts, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of these structures while safeguarding them for future generations.
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Interpreting the EBT’s Rich History
Interpreting the East Broad Top Railroad’s rich history is central to the EBT Foundation’s mission. Through its Archives Program, the Foundation preserves and digitizes historical documents and artifacts, making them accessible for research and education. Educational programs for schools provide hands-on opportunities to explore the railroad’s impact on regional and national history, ensuring the EBT’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
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Interpreting the EBT’s Rich History
Interpreting the East Broad Top Railroad’s rich history is central to the EBT Foundation’s mission. Through its Archives Program, the Foundation preserves and digitizes historical documents and artifacts, making them accessible for research and education. Educational programs for schools provide hands-on opportunities to explore the railroad’s impact on regional and national history, ensuring the EBT’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
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Forge A Legacy
Your support is essential to the restoration of the East Broad Top Railroad. Contributions allow us to accomplish the massive amount of work needed to operate the railroad, acquire materials, maintain and improve infrastructure, restore equipment, and tell as much of the railroad’s unique story as possible.
Results of Your Generosity
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Ties Replaced along the Original 33 Miles of Mainline
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Seats Added with New Passenger Cars
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Students Experienced Industrial History
E.B.T In The News
The resurrection of the East Broad Top is one of the most significant preservation stories in recent memory, and the world is taking notice! Keep up to date with all of the exciting developments and stories written about the railroad!
Saturday Evening Post
Save the Rails - America’s oldest narrow-gauge railroad is back from the brink of doom — for a second time.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
A century-old Philly Steam-Engine Rides Again at a Historic Railroad Station
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Travel + Leisure