It was a time of prosperity and growth. As the lumber industry thrived, so did the residents of Williamsport. By the mid-1800's, Williamsport was known throughout the nation as the Lumber Capital of the world and a city of millionaires. These millionaires provided the funds and impetus for Williamsport's first form of public transportation - the streetcar. In 1863, Governor Andrew Curtin signed a charter creating the Williamsport Passenger Railway Company.

Under the direction of Peter Herdic, construction of the railway began. In 1865, streetcar service started in time for the State Fair, held in Williamsport. The first streetcars were horse-drawn and equipped with a small stove to keep passengers warm in the winter. Electric streetcars were introduced to Williamsport in 1891, one year prior to those in Philadelphia. They operated in the city until June 11, 1933, when the last trolley rolled to a halt.

Today, Hiawatha Inc., recreates that era with the Peter Herdic, Anne Weightman, and Carl Stotz Trolleys touring the sites of the City, and be transported back to the days of the lumber barons.

Peter Herdic and Anne Weightman Trolleys

Williamsport Trolley Tour

Tour the Victorian Splendor of Historic Williamsport! The Williamsport Trolley Tour is a delightful ride through Williamsport’s areas of interest, featuring Millionaire’s Row. See the impressive mansions built by the lumber barons of days gone by and learn the rich history of the lumber capital of the world! Other highlights of the tour include Memorial Park where the first Little League Baseball game was played and Brandon Park whose entrance is guarded by the magnificent tree sculpture of Chief Woapalanee.

Route & Schedule Information

Passengers may start the trip at any of the three Trolley stops.

Fares

One fare allows passengers to get on and off once at each Trolley stop during that particular day.

Tickets are available from the Peter Herdic Transportation Museum or the Hiawatha House in Susquehanna State Park (operational season only). FREE admission to the Peter Herdic Transportation Museum and FREE Parking included with paid Trolley Tour admission. (Tokens, monthly passes and special discounts are not accepted for the Trolley Tour. All trips subject to availability.)

Hiawatha

During the Hiawatha's operating season, You can combine your Trolley Tour with a ride on the Hiawatha Riverboat when the Trolley stops at the Susquehanna State Park where the boat docks. Enjoy a cruise aboard the Hiawatha Paddlewheeler, named for the turn-of-the-century Riverboat which graced the Susquehanna River. Learn more by visiting www.rideHiawatha.com. Start your Trolley Tour early and take the mid-day Public Cruise aboad the riverboat, then finish the rest of the Trolley Tour and return to where you started.

Special Tours

Haunted Trolley Tour

• Public Tours are Saturday, October 24, 2009.
• Tickets go on sale beginning Thursday, October 1, 2009.
• Group Tours are available, contact Hiawatha Inc. for details.

Tour of Lights

• Public Tours are available from December 11 - 14, 2009.
• Tickets go on sale beginning Tuesday, December 1, 2009.
• Group Tours are available, contact Hiawatha, Inc. for details.

Special tours are operated by Hiawatha, Inc.

Copyright © 2010 Hiawatha Inc. All Rights Reserved.