Pittsburgh and West Virginia Railway Co. - 1940's-50's dated Pennsylvania Railroad Stock Certificate

Railroad Stock printed by American Bank Note Company. A great vignette! Locomotive in a roundhouse with 4 other locomotives converging with rays of sun beaming down. Available in Blue or Brown. Please specify color.

The Pittsburgh and West Virginia Railway (P&WV), often called the “High and Dry” due to its elevated route, was officially incorporated in 1917 as a reorganization of the bankrupt Wabash-Pittsburgh Terminal Railroad. George J. Gould, the original visionary, had envisioned extending his Wabash Railroad system into the thriving industrial center of Pittsburgh. Despite facing financial challenges during the 1907 financial panic, the P&WV persevered and eventually emerged as an independent bridge line.

After its reemergence, the P&WV strategically focused on connecting the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad with the Western Maryland Railway. This collaboration created a vital link for fast freight, collectively known as the “Alphabet Route.” This route effectively connected the Midwest to the Eastern seaboard, facilitating the efficient movement of goods.

The railroad experienced its peak prosperity during the 1920s and 1930s, particularly after the completion of the Connellsville extension in 1931. This extension allowed the P&WV to bypass congested terminals, further enhancing its efficiency. Although passenger service ceased in 1931, the P&WV continued to play a crucial role in transporting coal and industrial goods during World War II. To accomplish this, they employed heavy locomotives like the 2-6-6-4 J-1 class to move bridge traffic.

In 1964, the P&WV line was leased to the Norfolk and Western Railway, marking the end of its era as an independent company. Today, the former P&WV trackage is operated by the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway, continuing to serve as a vital freight route.