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How Old is the Johnstown Inclined Plane?

Published in Historic Transportation 2 mins read

As of May 15, 2024, the Johnstown Inclined Plane is exactly 132 years, 11 months, and 14 days old.

The iconic Johnstown Inclined Plane officially began its operations on June 1, 1891, providing convenient transportation up the notably steep Yoder Hill. This remarkable engineering feat has not only served as a daily commuter link but has also played a pivotal role in the city's most challenging times.

A Historic Lifeline

The Inclined Plane proved its invaluable worth during crises, particularly on March 17, 1936. When devastating flood waters once again swept through Johnstown, rendering roads impassable, the Inclined Plane became a vital conduit for survival. Ascending its impressive 70.9% grade, it heroically carried almost 4,000 residents to safety, cementing its legacy as a symbol of community resilience and a literal lifeline during the disaster.

Key Facts About the Johnstown Inclined Plane

To better understand this historical landmark, here are some essential facts:

Feature Detail
Opened Date June 1, 1891
Current Age 132 years, 11 months, 14 days (as of May 15, 2024)
Location Johnstown, Pennsylvania (connecting the city to Yoder Hill)
Grade 70.9% (one of the steepest vehicular inclined planes in the world)
Historic Role Carried nearly 4,000 residents to safety during the 1936 flood
Purpose Public transportation, tourism, historical landmark

Understanding its Age Calculation

The precise age of the Johnstown Inclined Plane is determined by calculating the duration from its opening date on June 1, 1891, to the current date of May 15, 2024. It has completed 132 full years of operation as of June 1, 2023. The subsequent period, from June 1, 2023, to May 15, 2024, adds an additional 11 months and 14 days, resulting in its exact age.

This engineering marvel continues to serve the Johnstown community and attracts visitors, standing as a testament to its enduring design and the city's rich history. For more information, you can visit inclinedplane.org.