Is your home town in the book?

There is a small city located within the Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania. This minute metropolis has a distinct history inundated with tragedy and a standing as interesting as a wet noodle. Although this place may not feature the amenities that some major cities provide, the town has one very sharp and interesting trait which gives the town its identity.

Johnstown Pa. is an area located about 68 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. This town is the site of 3 major floods with the most recent being in the late 1970’s. You may think these horrible atrocities are a morbid claim to fame but there is one other piece of this town’s history which has allowed the town to creep to the top of the social ladder.

Aside from the site of 3 major floods, Johnstown is the location of the world’s steepest vehicular inclined-plane. This title was granted to the city by the Guinness Book of World Records. There are similar competitors such as one in Pittsburgh, but it does not compare to the magnitude of the structure found in Johnstown.

This astute recognition has not done much for the economic status of the small town but a price tag cannot be placed on something so distinct. Standing at the top of the inclined plane, you are able to look directly into downtown. On a clear day, this site will send chills down your spine at the sheer natural beauty of this discrete metropolis. No matter what season of the year, this site is breathtaking.

Although the world’s steepest vehicular inclined plane is no roller coaster ride, it is an experience you will never forget. Stepping off of the platform and onto the car is simple but once the ride starts you’ll be running for something to hold onto. The ride down the mountain side is eerily slow and painful. As the car moves you are able to hear the creaking of the gears right beneath you.

Then suddenly halfway down the hill the car will begin to slow down even further and start to rock back and forth as the conductor pumps the weathered and battered brakes. The ride up or down the inclined plane is very underwhelming. At first glance you might think it would be quite the thrill, but it is as exciting as wet blanket.

Every town needs an interested site to give them some claim to fame. Unfortunately, for Johnstown this is the only ticket it has. The inclined plane gives this small town character and distinction but it does not give the members of the local community excitement.