There's much more to this photo than meets the eye. This is the former Erie mainline (now run by the Central New York Railway) at a remote farmer's crossing near Cascade Valley, NY. The view is looking west towards Starrucca Viaduct (which is only about two miles away). Besides showing the remains of the former westbound main (which was pulled up in late 2005 and early 2006), this is also the location of the Erie Railroad's legendary Cascade Viaduct. This incredible structure was a 250-foot-long single arch span constructed entirely of wood (!) that vaulted Cascade Gorge at a height of 184 feet. The bridge was constructed in 1847. However, by 1855, the Erie became increasingly concerned about the possibility of the structure burning (since it was made of wood) and the paralyzing effect of having it's mainline severed. Hence, the Erie began a monumental project to fill in the entire gorge! This process took five years to complete (1855 to 1860), at which time the beautiful Cascade Viaduct was removed. The slight elbow in the track seen in the distance is, in fact, the re-alignment the Erie made around Cascade Bridge while the gorge was being filled in. Diligent exploration around the fill will reveal several locations where stonework supporting the Cascade Bridge abutments can still be seen. Those familiar with Karl Zimmermann's classic book Erie Lackawanna East will immediately recognize this location as the cover shot on his book. It should be noted that the hamlet of Cascade Valley is in New York State, while the location of Cascade Viaduct is just over the border in Pennsylvania.

Photographed by Rich Kugel, October 14, 2007.
Added to the photo archive by Rich Kugel, February 15, 2008.
Railroad: Erie RR.

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