 The A&GW OH began work in August 1853 with funds provided by the Meadville investors, but money ran out after only a few miles were graded.While the Ohio railroad stalled, in April 1857 the state of Pennsylvania granted a charter to the Meadville Railroad Co. to build a line from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Meadville.The state also gave the Meadville the right to purchase any a branch line constructed under the charter of the Pittsburg & Erie.