Ligonier Valley Rail Road Newspaper Articles
We have compiled over 1,400 newspaper articles that mention the Ligonier Valley Railroad, or related subjects. The articles were originally published starting in 1873 and our collection runs through 1995. Enjoy!
Ligonier Echo
Wednesday, September 25, 1912
Probable Big Land Deal Made
Option Taken on Large Tract in Ligonier and Cook Townships
About 7,000 Acres Are Secured
We are informed that 7,000 acres of land lying along the Loyalhanna creek in Ligonier and Cook townships extending from the vicinity of old Mechanicsburg, now Rector post office, Ligonier township, south into Cook township has recently been optioned for six months at a stipulated price by agents for eastern capitalists. If the deal goes through the land will be sold including surface, coal, timber and all. Though the purpose of this land deal is not definitely known, it is said that it means the development of the coal underlying this tract of territory and the cutting of the timber. If the deal finally goes through it will mean big business interests to Ligonier valley, including a new railroad, it is said, through this section.
Among the reports being circulated is one that the Western Maryland Railroad company contemplates building a railroad down through the valley from the vicinity of
Connellsville to connect with this road's interests in Indiana county, crossing over near the Pack Saddle west of Bolivar and touching at Blairsville. This would mean coal developments the entire length of Ligonier valley of the upper Freeport vein of coal as well as other industries. It is known that coal land in this valley has been persistently leased and released for the past five or six years and now it is said that something is going to be done. Wherever you go in the valley you hear talk of a new railroad and leasing of coal land.
There now is a railroad as far as Jones' Mills, Donegal township, and at the other end of the valley there is the Wilpen branch of the L.V.R.R. out to Fort Palmer coal works, and in the development of coal interests in Fairfield township a branch coal road has been built about two miles in length and connected with the P.R.R. near Bolivar.
A railroad will soon be needed near Waterford, Ligonier township, which will probably connect with the Wilpen branch north of town, to make shipment of lumber from an extensive tract of timber recently purchased and which is heavily covered with timber.
All these varied interest show increased activity which will be of great financial advantage to this historic valley.