Buildings & Grounds
What are we doing?
The East Broad Top Railroad’s late 19th/early 20th Century shop complex is the largest and most intact of its kind anywhere in the United States. When the railroad closed in 1956, its crews simply went home, leaving behind a time capsule of American industry. At the same time, decades of disuse resulted in the need to stabilize these structures to prevent further decay. Operating a tourist railroad in the 21st Century also requires us to make certain enhancements to improve the visitor experience.
Related Projects
- Orbisonia Station Cosmetic Improvements
- Shop Complex Building Stabilization
- Coulter Schoolhouse Restoration
- Saltillo Station Reconstruction
- Saltillo Watertower Reconstruction
- Robertsdale Coal Company Office Building Restoration
- Robertsdale Engine House Reconstruction
- Stone House Restoration
Stabilization & Restoration
The East Broad Top site comprises dozens of historic structures across the entire railroad corridor, from the Coal Company’s office in Robertsdale, at the very southern end of the line, to dozens of buildings in the Rockhill Furnace Shop Complex. Many have required extensive stabilization and restoration work inside and out. In addition, we’ve begun reconstructing previously demolished structures with accurate replicas to both support our operation and return the railroad to its original state as much as possible.