1880s

Pennsylvania Railroad Steam Locomotive Model

The end of the Civil War cemented Fort Wayne's place as a major Midwestern transportation hub. In three years, 1869-1871, four new steam railroad lines were completed to connect the growing city of Fort Wayne to more destinations in the outside World. The roads expanded access to Fort Wayne markets, supplementing what had been available since the mid 1850s through the existing Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago, and Toledo, Wabash & Western Railroads. When all the railroads were completed there were six routes running in all directions through Fort Wayne. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad became part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system. This is a complete working model of a Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotive. The metal plate affixed to the side is engraved "Charles Benoy" for its maker who crafted this model in 1888. Benoy was a machinist in the Bass Foundry.