The Pennsylvania Railroad was once known as the "Standard Railroad of the World."  The Indiana portion of the corridor, spanning 78 miles from Indianapolis to Richmond, was completed in 1853.  It was over this railroad on April 30, 1865 that the slain body of Abraham Lincoln was returned to Springfield, Illinois.  After numerous acquisitions and name changes, the Pennsylvania Railroad began operating the line in 1921, which was later abandoned and its tracks pulled up in 1982. 

Greenway Description

The Pennsy Rail-Trail is a proposed multi-use trail that will be a resource to both the transportation and recreation systems in Indianapolis, much like the Monon Trail.  The Pennsy Rail-Trail will be approximately 6.2 miles that will utilize portions of the corridor between Ritter Avenue to the east and German Church Road to the west, with an option to connect to the Pleasant Run Greenway using Kitley Avenue.  Much progress has been made to actually start building the trail, as a Public Hearing was held on the project on February 22, 2007 and since that time, additional meetings have been held with stakeholders to address questions and comments from the community.  Indy Parks Greenways is moving forward and hopes to have the corridor purchased within the next year to begin construction in 2009.  Indy Parks Greenways also will work closely with the Town of Cumberland and the town of Greenfield in making a celebrated connection between the communities at German Church Road. 

Pennsy Map [PDF]

Pennsy Rail-Trail Guide [PDF]