08/28/2026
🚂 Then & Now: The L&C Railroad
The Lancaster & Chester Railroad has been part of Chester County’s story for more than a century.
The railroad dates back to 1896, when it connected Chester and Lancaster and helped move goods throughout the region. In 1925, the L&C added Steam Locomotive No. 40 to its fleet. Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works, No. 40 served the L&C for 22 years, hauling freight including textile products before being sold in 1947 as the railroad transitioned to diesel locomotives.
But the story of No. 40 didn’t end there. After leaving the L&C, the locomotive eventually made its way to Pennsylvania, where it is now preserved and operated by the New Hope Railroad. Today, visitors can still see and ride behind a locomotive that once traveled the rails of South Carolina.
And the L&C itself is still going strong. Today, the railroad continues to serve businesses throughout Chester and Lancaster counties, providing freight transportation and connections to the larger rail network. The L&C also offers private industry connections, allowing businesses to connect directly to the rail system.
From steam locomotives hauling textiles to modern freight transportation, the L&C represents more than 100 years of history, industry, and connection.
That’s part of what makes Chester County special, our history isn’t just something we remember. It’s something that continues to move us forward.
