Norfolk Southern Port Road: Safe Harbor

Safe Harbor is the site of one of the Susquehanna's many hydroelectric dams. They provide electricity, but are bad for the migrating shad, so it's a mixed blessing. I guess the question is: What would you rather have, fish or Nintendo? I think we all know the answer to that one.

Anyway, the Port Road passes here on a small bridge over Conestoga Creek, a spot where our forefathers massacred the last organized band of Susquehannock Indians because of the French and Indian War. These particular Indians had nothing to do with the war, but they were conveniently close by. Safe Harbor didn't turn out to be safe at all.

But the scenery is outstanding. Above the Port Road spans a huge bridge, part of the old Atglen and Susquehanna Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The railroad turned the branch line over to the locals who have been squabbling about what to do with it ever since.