Transition from Rails to Trails   Historical Significance of the RailroadLaunched in 1855, the North Pennsylvania Railroad was more than just a pathway for travel; it was central to economic development in Bethlehem, PA, and its neighboring areas. Connecting places like Philadelphia to Bethlehem and the coal-rich north, this railway was instrumental in molding the industrial character of Lower Saucon Township, Hellertown, Upper Saucon Township, and Coopersburg. Over its many years of service, it enabled the flow of goods, people, and ideas,