The Reading Railroad was originally founded in 1833 as the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad to transport anthracite coal from northeastern Pennsylvania to Philadelphia. As profits increased, the railroad expanded its operations through purchasing and leasing other railroads. At its peak, it was one of the largest corporations in the world. However, as coal decreased in demand and price, the railroad struggled. It filed for bankruptcy in 1971 as it relied more on passenger travel but faced financial losses. The railroad was an important company for the coal industry and transportation along the northeast coast, but struggled as other forms of power like oil emerged.

1. The Reading Railroad By: Paul Gangewere

6. This is a map to show the routes of the Reading Railroad