Railroads transformed life along the Youghiogheny River by allowing coal, timber, and wood products to be shipped to market, bringing new jobs and higher income for some residents, and carrying manufactured goods to depots in towns such as Ohiopyle for merchants to sell locally. Strong bridges crossed the swift, difficult river, rural students rode the train to high school in Connellsville, and for several decades tourists arrived by the thousands to enjoy the natural beauty of Ferncliff Peninsula across the river from Ohiopyle. Rail lines were completed along the Youghiogheny in 1871, the B&O Railroad leased the Youghiogheny route in 1875, the Western Maryland Railroad was completed through Ohiopyle in 1914, and Western Maryland service through Ohiopyle ended in 1975. The former Western Maryland lines are now part of the Great Allegheny Passage, extending 70 miles north to Pittsburgh and 65 miles south to Cumberland, Maryland.