Cumberland Valley Railroad No. "B"

Research indicates that Cumberland Valley Railroad combine car B was built to handle U.S. Mail service in the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania. It is possible this car was used to transport troops of the Union Army during the Civil War. Car B was used in regular service (passenger) until 1888. It was then assigned to maintenance of way service as a tool and supply car until being placed in storage in 1909. The gangway or gallery along the side of the baggage area makes this a unique car. Very few gallery cars were built, and they are often confused with pay cars which were used by many railroads.
The Cumberland Valley car has a wooden frame and body. There are no provisions in the passenger compartment for heat or sanitation. Lighting was provided by a single candle stand. There is seating for 29 passengers and only one seat is not reversible.
The Cumberland Valley Railroad became a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad before the Civil War. During the Antietam and Gettysburg campaigns, the Cumberland Valley and another PRR subsidiary, the Northern Central, transported troops and supplies for the Union Army. Both railroads suffered extensive damage to their rolling equipment and physical plants.
The Cumberland Valley Railroad combine car B was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979