A broadside advertising the "Pioneer Fast Line," including an image of a steam engine pulling a passenger car, and a canal boat being pulled by three horses.

Credit: Railroaders Memorial Museum, Altoona, PA

Opened in 1832, the Pennsylvania Canal, with its system of "packet" boats, steam engines, horsepower and Portage Railroad, lured passengers with the promise of "Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, through in 3-1/2 days."