Wednesday, June 2, 2010

The Inclined Plane

The place where I live (or more accurately the next city over) isn't exactly well known. Johnstown, Pennsylvania's only real claim to fame is it's ability to flood at inappropriate times and the fact that as a direct result of one of those floods we have the worlds steepest vechiciular Inclined Plane.

In 1889 one of our dams broke and flooded the entire town, killing over 2200 people. Back then, that was a LOT of people, and pretty much decimated the city, which was a major steel producing town before all of the factories around here were moved to Pittsburgh. The Inclined Plane was Johnstown's awnser on how to transport people to higher ground in case of a reoccurrence, which did in fact happen in 1977. Bet you didn't know that you'd be getting a history lesson with this blog post, did you? Don't worry ... you can thank me later.

So seeing as I grew up in a suburb of Johnstown and still live fairly close, it's only fitting that we take the boys on a ride up and down the Inclined Plane.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow, that is really neat (the history, not the deaths resulting from the dam breaking). I love that you are sharing the history of your town with your kids. I haven't done that with my town yet... but I should. When I was little, I LOVED learning the history of my town. I still remember the stories!!

Such a cool mom, you are, Amanda!

Alyssa S. said...

What a fun trip AND history lesson. If you think about it, it's a rather clever solution to the problem too! Thanks for sharing :) See, I didn't even wait until later to thank you!!

ana said...

wonderful post & looks like it was a great trip :) you have a lovely blog.

Chana@ Mamma Town said...

How cool is that? Well, not cool that 2200 people died:( But, cool that your family had such an awesome little trip. Your sons are just ADORABLE!! And you are my hero for being in a house full of boys! Thank you for the etsy encouragement too:) Sharing your story with me has helped me to reeealllyyy think about it! Haha!
xoxoxox

beth said...

Great history lesson for the kids....do all you can now becuae soon enough they are too busy with activites! These are precious moments, savor and enjoy!

Chelsey - The Paper Mama said...

Neat history. I really need to learn more about my city's history. OH, and thank you SO much for the sweet card! I love getting mail. Not bills. Thanks!

-chelsey

Tia Colleen said...

Dangit, I love knowing nerdy historical facts like that. Great post, and great pictures.

Devon said...

i never knew the history of that incline!

looks like you got a little sun!!