The Allegheny Mountains constantly challenged early settlers to <BR>use their creativity and skills to conquer what seemed an almost <BR>insurmountable barrier. The founding fathers recognized potential <BR>in the area both as a resort and as a thriving town that would attract <BR>industry. Through hard work and innovation, an all-rail route over the <BR>mountains was established, linking the area with important industrial <BR>and trade centers. Many people came to Cresson to enjoy the health <BR>and recreational benefits of its natural springs, and the area's "pike" <BR>afforded the first stage link between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. <BR>When the Pennsylvania Railroad established headquarters here, with a <BR>roundhouse, machine shops, and branch lines, the area entered an era of <BR>industrial prosperity. <BR>I n this remarkable volume, over 200 rare images are combines with <BR>informative and insightful text. Early views of the famous Horseshoe <BR>Curve, the Gallitzin Tunnels, and the Mountain House are delightfully <BR>intertwined with photographs of homes, workplaces, churches, and the <BR>people who made the area prosper and grow. Readers visit Loretto, a <BR>town founded by "A Prince-Priest, Demetrius A. Gallitzin, Apostle of <BR>the Alleghenies" and they are transported to Portage and Lilly, areas of <BR>woodlands that gave rise to numerous sawmills.