Explore railroad history in Christiana in different ways: at the original railroad embankment, at a preserved stone arch bridge, and through historic tours. This lets you distinguish between a relic you can walk along, craftsmanship, and stories of the past.

Railroad Embankment and Bridge: Traces of the Railroad

The Pennsylvania & Columbia Railroad (P&CR) was built with a stop in Christiana. The original railroad embankment behind the Christiana Machine Shop is open to visitors and can be explored on foot. The stop anchors the railroad in the town’s history; the embankment offers a specific place where you can explore an original railroad relic on foot.

The original stone arch bridge that crossed Pine Creek also remains intact. Skilled masons built it from stone sourced from nearby quarries. The bridge brings together several aspects: its function as a crossing, its arch shape, and the building material used. The embankment offers access on foot; the bridge draws attention to its craftsmanship. Both provide different ways to engage with railroad history.

Machine Shop, Zercher’s Hotel, and Historic Tours

The Christiana Machine Shop is next to Zercher’s Hotel and is open to visitors. Guided tours take place at historic Zercher’s Hotel. The neighboring buildings provide a specific landmark to help you find your way around Christiana: you can visit the Machine Shop, while the hotel is also the venue for the tours.

On the Christiana Historical Society’s guided tour, visitors learn about the Underground Railroad. The tour also places the Christiana Resistance of 1851 in context as an event that led to the American Civil War. This means the historical focus extends beyond railroad construction and buildings. If you prefer to learn about historical connections as part of a guided tour, this offers a different approach from exploring the embankment on your own.

Which Approach Suits Your Visit?

The type of experience you prefer is the main factor in choosing your focus: at the embankment, you can explore a historic relic on foot; at the bridge, the focus is on its design and craftsmanship; the tour presents historical topics. If you enjoy following a historic trail on your own, the embankment offers a specific place to start. If you prefer a guided explanation, the tours differ in their topics and historical perspectives.

The condition of the embankment may change; check it before your visit. Tour operating details may also change. Checking the current schedule will help you plan your visit.

Discover more destinations: Millersville, Lititz, Gordonville, Narvon, Bird In Hand, Smoketown, Mountville, Salunga-Landisville

Return to the main travel guide: Lancaster.