Built after the Johnstown flood of 1889, the Inclined Plane's original purpose was to connect downtown with the higher grounds of Westmont Borough in order to develop that area residentially. During Johnstown's two other floods in 1936 and 1977, the Incline became a lifesaver, helping people to escape downtown as well as to transfer supplies into the valley.
Mainly because of the steel mills, the Incline carried approximately 1,000,000 passengers a year to and from the downtown area. Today the Incline welcomes visitors and locals alike, carrying approximately 100,000 passengers a year.
The Inclined Plane is the steepest vehicular incline in the world, and no trip to Johnstown is complete without a ride on the world’s slowest roller-coaster and a picture of the largest free-flying Flag in the United States which flies over the Incline Plane. The Flag is sewn and assembled by the workers at Bestform, right here in Johnstown. It can be seen for miles-- from almost any point in the valley. It is illuminated at night and is only lowered during severe weather.
At the top of the mountain, there is a gift shop and a viewing area with descriptions of some of the important parts that keep the Incline Plane in motion.
If you have an interest in the paranormal, be sure to ask about about the small boy and the pair of miners who have been seen in the area dressed from the 1900's carrying lunch pails as well as the dancing lights from the Indian burial ground! (Yes, we offer something for everyone in Johnstown!)
Mainly because of the steel mills, the Incline carried approximately 1,000,000 passengers a year to and from the downtown area. Today the Incline welcomes visitors and locals alike, carrying approximately 100,000 passengers a year.
The Inclined Plane is the steepest vehicular incline in the world, and no trip to Johnstown is complete without a ride on the world’s slowest roller-coaster and a picture of the largest free-flying Flag in the United States which flies over the Incline Plane. The Flag is sewn and assembled by the workers at Bestform, right here in Johnstown. It can be seen for miles-- from almost any point in the valley. It is illuminated at night and is only lowered during severe weather.
At the top of the mountain, there is a gift shop and a viewing area with descriptions of some of the important parts that keep the Incline Plane in motion.
If you have an interest in the paranormal, be sure to ask about about the small boy and the pair of miners who have been seen in the area dressed from the 1900's carrying lunch pails as well as the dancing lights from the Indian burial ground! (Yes, we offer something for everyone in Johnstown!)