The Erie Gauge War - Project Algerine

The Erie Gauge War was a conflict between the citizens of Erie, Pennsylvania and the Erie and Northeast Railroad in 1853. The citizens were worried about losing their forced railroad stop, so they protested the railroad's attempt to change the track gauge. The conflict resulted in a skirmish between the citizens and the railroad workers.
Highlights
In 1853, the railroad in the northeastern United States was controlled by many different smaller companies.
The Erie and Northeast Railroad announced the construction of a new rail line from Erie that would extend eastwardly for 20 miles to the New York border.
The tracks that the train would run on for this new Erie and Northeast Railroad would be six feet wide, which would inconvenience travelers.
The citizens of Erie demanded the mayor take action when the railroad began changing its track.
The mayor deputized Morrow Lowry and another 150 citizens of Erie to become special police officers.
Morrow and the citizens disguised themselves as women and began to rip apart the tracks and bridge structures.
The conflict resulted in a skirmish between the citizens and the railroad workers.
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
Infraction
Mokkamusic

[@Zunist]

This is such a unique, radical footnote in Erie’s history. I love that the mayor was involved.

[@ProjectAlgerine]

Thanks Adamite! Erie's history super fascinating. So many colorful characters.

[@paultate9283]

An interesting part of Erie history, that not many people know...and that had national implications. Very well done....and very informative.

[@caribsunsets]

GREAT stuff... Do you take suggestions? How about the time the tracks were laid across 19th street in a hurry and on a non working day to avoid enforcement of court injunction and they "won"? Or the huge brick standpipe tower at water works which at its time and for a while after was the tallest of its type in the world?

[@ProjectAlgerine]

Both would make great episodes. Especially Water Works.

[@stevemoran1158]

Thanks, never knew about this. Sure would have made a history class more interesting.

[@5746927]

I have over 400 pictures and post cards of the Mill Creek Flood. I have been collecting them for over 40 years.

[@iridasangemino6579]

Fascinating! Recently moved to Erie and had no idea of the history, thanks!

[@tylerlobdell2669]

Classic Erie!

[@breacat]

Ironic that Jefferson Davis wanted to put down this rebellion.

[@recki78]

I just gained a ton of respect for Horace Greely for keeping it real.

[@recki78]

East Side vs West Side mentality.... that still exists.

[@robertwilson973]

I was just reading up on this after a visit to Erie, wondering why the city never developed.

[@ProjectAlgerine]

Thanks glad you liked it!

[@marktanenbaum978]

Very well done.

[@MrPhilletrun]

Great video. I was born and raised there and never knew about this.

[@DSLethal1]

I have to say I am impressed. I was born and raised in Erie PA, got the hell out of there when I graduated HS never to return, and never knew this story. Just another example of how Erie doesn't do anything right.