Time Traveler: Cumberland Valley Railroad’s Steam Engine

By local historian Mike Marotte

In this issue of the “Time Traveler” you’ll have an opportunity to see and learn about the former Cumberland Valley Railroad’s steam engine “Pioneer.” This small but mighty steam engine was built in 1851 at Boston, Massachusetts, and had served the railroad for many years and today it is on display at the Baltimore & Ohio Museum at Baltimore, Maryland.

This grand picture of the “Pioneer” was taken at Wheeling, West Virginia, for their Semi-Centennial Celebration held in 1913. The “Pioneer” was taken to many events over the years to be displayed for all to see the magnificent workmanship of the prized steam locomotive. This engine along with another engine were purchased from Seth Wilmarth in 1851 for the price of $7,642.

This is the Cumberland Valley R.R. round house on North Second Street in Chambersburg, circa 1899. My Great Grandfather A.M. Funk is standing on the right next to the “Pioneer.” This steam engine was built by Seth Wilmarth of Boston, Massachusetts, in 1851.

The engineer of the “Pioneer” poses for a picture at the Mont Alto Park during the early 1900’s. The park was built by Colonel George B. Weistling in 1875. The “Pioneer” had traveled a grand total of 255,675 miles during its regular service on the Cumberland Valley Railroad.