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 cial interests of the commonwealth tended to sink the old canal and its portage railway out of sight. In 1855 this "main line of the public works" was offered for sale, but the offer was not liberal. Another act was passed May 16, 1857, for its sale and June 25, it was purchased by the Pennsylvania Railway Company; possession was taken in August.

After attempting to operate successfully the Portage Railway, the new owners lost $7,220.14 in three months and ordered the line closed. The canal was operated by the Pennsylvania Canal Company in the interest of the railway and that was gradually abandoned. The division from Pittsburg to Johnstown was entirely abandoned by 1864; the portion in the Juniata Valley was abandoned in 1899, and that along the Susquehanna in 1900.