Hollidaysburg and Bedford Plank Road Co. - 1853 dated Stock Certificate

Stock printed by Traugh Pr., Hollidaysburg.

The Hollidaysburg and Bedford Plank Road Co. was established during the mid-19th century “plank road boom,” a period when private companies sought to solve the problem of impassable, muddy dirt roads. Often referred to as “the farmer’s railway,” these roads were constructed by laying heavy wooden planks perpendicularly over parallel stringers to create a smooth, durable surface for wagons. The company was formed to bridge the roughly 30-mile gap between the canal and railroad hub of Hollidaysburg and the historic town of Bedford, Pennsylvania. By providing a more reliable route through the difficult mountain terrain of the Juniata Valley, the road facilitated the transport of agricultural goods and supported Bedford’s growing reputation as a wellness destination for those visiting its famous mineral springs.

Despite their initial promise of affordable, year-round travel, the company and its wooden infrastructure faced significant financial and physical challenges common to the era. The hemlock or oak planks, though effective at first, frequently rotted and warped within just three to five years, leading to maintenance costs that far exceeded toll revenues. Moreover, the rapid expansion of railroads provided a faster, more efficient alternative for heavy freight. While the original company and its planking have long since disappeared, their legacy remains embedded in local geography. As of 2026, the historical route continues to influence the region’s infrastructure, with segments of the modern Plank Road corridor in Hollidaysburg still serving as a primary thoroughfare for commercial and community travel.