The U.S. state of Pennsylvania is home to numerous coal mines. Some of those mines have been decommissioned while some are still active. Along with these mines came towns that grew around the mining communities. Among those towns was the town of Danville. Situated on the Susquehanna River, it was an industrial town that benefited from the iron ore that was mined in the region, and it was the site of an invention that benefited the railroad to the present day. What was this invention? You see it every time you visit the railroad line: the rail shaped like a ‘T’.
For this reason, the Iron ‘T’ Monument was erected in the town of Danville, Pennsylvania. The monument features a coal car commemorating those in the coal mining industry. It sits on iron ‘T’ rails next to the County Courthouse at the intersection of Mills Street and Market Street. There is no admission fee to see it, and you can visit it day or night.
The next time you are in Danville, Pennsylvania, do not think of it as just a small town but as the place where the iron ‘T’ rail was born.
If you are a wine lover, you may want to visit the Shade Mountain Wine Store. It is located across the Susquehanna River. It is easy to find because when you take Pennsylvania Route 54 across the river, you can turn right… at the railroad crossing. It is housed in an old train depot. You can purchase a bottle or have a glass while sitting at a table next to the tracks. If you are fortunate enough, you may enjoy your glass and enjoy a passing train. You can get more information at https://shademountainwinery.com/. (Please note that Pennsylvania state laws require that you must be at least 21 years of age to enter the site or to visit the wine store.)
John Cowgill: Stories of the Railroad 
Reblogged this on John Cowgill's Literature Site.
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