In 1841, the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad was founded. By 1845, it was transporting nearly three times as much coal than the Schuylkill Canal. The Schuylkill Navigation Company expanded their canals to accommodate for larger boats. But in 1869, the canals were damaged from flooding, and their use began declining. The railroads ultimately surpassed canals as the primary transportation for coal. In 1979, the canals were filled by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
In 1841 the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad was founded By 1845 it was transporting nearly three times as much coal than the Schuylkill Canal The Schuylkill Navigation Company expanded their canals to accommodate for larger boats But in 1869 the canals were damaged from flooding and their use began declining The railroads ultimately surpassed canals as the primary transportation for coal In 1979 the canals were filled by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania