Pennsylvania is the state where the United States of America officially became an independent nation.  It also has the chocolate capital of the world.  (In case you are wondering, that is Hershey, the home of Milton Hershey.  It is a suburb of the state capital, Harrisburg.)  It is a state of many factory towns.  It is also the home of anthracite coal.  With coal comes coal mines.  The town of Ashland was one of these mine towns until the local mine closed.  Well, it is closed to those who mine anthracite coal, but it is open to those who want to take a tour of an old mine.

Welcome to the Pioneer Mine Tunnel and Steam Train in Ashland, Pennsylvania.

Now some of you are saying, “Wait a minute.  Mine tunnel and steam train?”

Ladies and gentlemen, if you are a rail fan, this place is the place for you. …