If there’s a will there’s a way.

Nearly 200 years ago, they found a way.

That’s when a survey was begun in Tamaqua to build a marvel of engineering to overcome nature’s obstacles.

The location was prime, it was a region rich in coal. And Tamaqua business was booming in 1825.

So the goal was to get valuable coal to the Philadelphia market to help fuel a growing nation.

But attempts to build a canal failed. Tamaqua valleys were too sharp and the waterway too winding.

So instead, German entrepreneur Friedrich List raised $700,000 to engineer the 1829 Little Schuylkill Coal and Navigation Railroad.

Engineering triumph

An astute businessman, List purchased 20,000 acres of land in and around Tamaqua to make it happen.

“On June 1, 1829, ground was broken,” said professor Eugen Wendler of the University of Reutlingen, Germany, foremost authority on the life of List.

“On Nov. 8, 1831, the 22-mile stretch was completed.”

Wendler visited Tamaqua several times over the past decade. He has written books and scholarly works describing how List’s engineering feat overcame Tamaqua’s rugged terrain.

Surveyed by famous Moncure Robinson, the rail line is hailed as an engineering wonder for its network of bridges and the way it traverses the valleys, snaking around mountains.

“It crosses the river 17 times,” said Wendler.

Wendler said List went on to become the “Father of German Railroads.”

His Tamaqua rail line is hailed as the first railroad in America to transport coal using a steam engine.

Steam was chosen over human or animal power. It could carry three-ton loads twice a day, taking 2.5 hours for each trip to Port Clinton.

There, the railroad met with the Schuylkill Canal, allowing coal to reach urban markets, providing impetus for growth of coal region towns.

Coal is still hauled on the same rail bed 192 years later. As a result, Tamaqua is home to the oldest rail line in the New World still serving its original purpose.

“Not only that,” said Dale Freudenberger, president, Tamaqua Historical Society, “it’s the third oldest rail route in America.”

Those distinctions are putting the town on the map. In fact, the 1874 Tamaqua train depot was given its own USPS postage stamp in March.

“It’s the only place in Schuylkill County to be honored with a stamp,” Freudenberger said.

Steam pioneer

Geologist and historian Scott Herring, a Tamaqua native known as the Last Anthracite Photographer, said research in England will determine if the Tamaqua railroad is the world’s oldest active rail line still in use as designed.

“Plus its role in using steam power is amazing,” Herring said.

“The Catawissa engine was ordered in 1832, began operating here in 1833. We had almost 125 years operating steam engines.”

As the importance of the rail line, now run by the Blue Mountain, Reading and Northern Railroad, becomes better understood, tourism is increasing.

Celebrations are being staged and events are unfolding to shine a spotlight it.

Occasional train excursions bring visitors to town for dining and sightseeing. Special runs take guests through the Tamaqua Tunnel and onto the Hometown High Bridge.

In August, the first Tamaqua Railfest drew hundreds who spent a day in the community. Some arrived by train from Reading Outer Station.

Micah Gursky, executive director, Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, said there’s more to come.

“Next year will be the 150th anniversary of the depot and the 20th anniversary of its restoration.”

Events to mark the occasion are being planned.

In the meantime, the town of Tamaqua, founded 1799, is embracing a powerful identity and taking pride in a heritage of rail innovation and engineering.

On the eve of its 225th birthday, Tamaqua is gaining steam.