194 A. L. Bishop — The State Works of Pennsylvania. 



Although the Avork of construction had now been in progress for 

 more than three years, and although many surveys had been made 

 previous to the commencement of operations, yet neither the route 

 nor the method of crossing the Allegheny mountain had been 

 definitely determined. The dissipation of the energies of the state 

 upon so many works caused serious delay in the settlement of these 

 problems. By 1830, however, the negligence of the canal board 

 in this respect was the subject of a good deal of discussion both 

 within and without the legislature. It was urged that all other 

 parts of the trunk line were now nearing completion. Until the 

 links of canal on either side of the mountain were joined, however, 

 the maximum advantage could not be obtained. For, as yet, they 

 could be used only for local traffic, whereas the chief purpose in 

 constructing the works was to provide a through route to command 

 western trade. Accordingly, on the 27th of March, 1830, legisla- 

 tive provisions* were made for a thorough survey of the passes of 

 the mountain by three competent engineers. 



"When the commissioners sent in their reportf in December, 1830, 

 their recommendation, based upon the recent surveys, was for a 

 railroad rather than for a macadamized road to make the necessary 

 connection. This matter was finally arranged for by an Act| of 

 March 21st, 1831, — over five years after the first work on the main 

 line tad been authorized. Sylvester Welch, one of the most com- 

 petent engineers in the service of the state, was given full charge, 

 and under his direction the route was determined, and the road 

 finally constructed. 



In their report§ of December 15th, 1831, it appeared that,, during 

 the year, the conmiissioners had arranged for the construction of 

 155% miles of canal and feeder. An analysis of the "lettings" 

 reveals the significant fact that only 5OI4 miles were on the main 

 line. The remainder, 105^ miles, or more than two-thirds of the 

 total length contracted for, represented extensions of lateral works. 

 In the meantime, arrangements had been made for the formation of 

 the road-bed of a part of both the Allegheny portage and the Phila- 



*Laws of Pennsylvania, 1829-30, p. 129. 



f J. H. llep., 18.30-31, II, p. 139. Tliis report showed that water had been 

 admitted into 406 miles of canal. Also 40^ miles of the bod of the Philadel- 

 phia and Columbia railroad were graded and ready for the rails. 



JLaws of Pennsylvajiia, 1830-31, p. 194. 



§ J. H. Rep., 1831-32, II, p. 107, and 1833-.34, III, pp. 4-5. 



