What were the advantages and disadvantages of hemp ropes and wire ropes used on the inclines?
Reading 2 was compiled from Anna Coxe Toogood, “Historic Resource Study for Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site,” National Park Service, 1973; William Bender, “The Evolution, Decadence and Abandonment of the Allegheny Portage Railroad” in The Pennsylvania Railroad Men s News, September & October, 1897; and Donald Sayenga, “Roebling s First Rope” and “Roebling s Second Rope” in Wire Rope News, March & April, 1982.