Since the first covered bridge in America was built across the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia in 1805, Pennsylvania has been the testing ground for some of the world's most unusual and interesting bridges. Shank delves into the lives and works of Burr, Wernwag, Town, Howe, Ellet, Roebling and Modjeski and others who revolutionized bridge-building of the past 5000 years. With 2-color photos and drawings, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in all bridges...covered to suspension...old or new. [from Abebooks.com]
Chapters: PENNSYLVANIA INDIAN TRAILS --- EARLY ROAD DEVELOPMENT --- EARLY RIVER TRAVEL IN PENNSYLVANIA --- LAND VEHICLES AND ROADCONDITIONS, EARLY 1800's --- THE FIRST STONE-SURFACED ROADS --- PENNSYLVANIA PIONEER BRIDGE BUILDERS --- THE CANAL ERA -- AQUEDUCTS AND CANAL ENGINEERING -- INCLINED PLANES AND GRAVITY RAILWAYS --- STEAM RAILROADS IN PENNSYLVANIA --- THE PLANK ROAD--- THE BICYCLE CRAZE --- URBAN RAIL CARS --- THE AUTO ERA OPENS--- PENNSYLVANIA HIGHWAYS IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY --- AIR TRAVEL IN PENNSYLVANIA --- THE PENNSYLVANIA TRAVELER TODAY AND TOMORROW
Summary
Pennsylvania's unusual topography and location at the hub of the original 13 colonies make the state's transportation history unique.This comprehensive, 156-page book with four-color cover employs delightful, often humorous, perceptions of the problems which beset Pennsylvania pioneers. It also details an amazing assortment of vehicles and unusual means of crossing streams and mountains, perhaps unequalled in any other state.
