>I am looking for information on construction of railroads.  Any references or
>knowledge you might have will be greatly appreciated.  If anyone has ever
>seen or heard of stone ties instead of the regular wood ties.
>
>I can be reached of List at LINNCA@AOL>COM
>
>Thank you in advance
>Linn Gassaway
>
>
 
 
There is a vast literature on the engineering and construction of railroads
and railroad facilities. The historically literature-- both primary and
secondary --is truly immense, and an ever increasing number of archeological
reports have appeared which describe railroad sites.  It would be impossible
to summarize this material in anything but a very long message. Do you have
specific areas of interest?
 
As to the use of stone 'ties', the early railroads in the U.S. adopted the
British practice of employing stone rail supports. It was rapidly found that
wood served the purpose far better. Early examples of stone rail supports
can be found on the Boston and Lowell RR (ca. 1834) and the Allegheny
Portage RR (ca. 1832). The Allegheny Portage was built using wooden ties as
well as stone block sleepers and stone ties.
 
                                                        Jed Levin
                                                        Applied Archeology Center
                                                        National Park Service