Chester County’s railroads date back to the earliest days of U.S. train travel. They played an important role in the development of the nation by transporting natural resources, writes Steven Hoffman for the Chester County Press.

A group of prominent citizens helped found the West Chester Railroad in 1832. It was one of the first transport industries in the nation to open for business.

Over the following decades, the importance of railroads grew for both transportation of goods and passengers. Numerous offshoot routes spider-webbed their way across Chester County and the Philadelphia area.

In the mid-20th century, however, the advent of cars and trucks forced many local railroads to close. Some area lines still carry freight, but SEPTA and Amtrak now dominate the passenger business.

But after staying dormant for years, some are once again returning to life.

The West Chester Railroad Heritage Association now runs trains from West Chester to Glen Mills along the former line for scenic, historical, and cultural tours.

Meanwhile, communities have turned other former lines into trails for recreational purposes.

Read more about railroads in Chester County in the Chester County Press.