The Cambria Iron Company began construction of the inclined railway in 1890, to carry people, horses and wagons to the new hilltop community of Westmont. On June 1, 1891 the
Johnstown Inclined Plane began providing convenient transportation up Yoder Hill which had a steep 70.9% grade. On March 1, 1936 when flood waters again ran through
Johnstown, the Inclined Plane proved it's worth by carrying almost 4000 residents to safety. In the most recent flood to hit Johnstown on July 20, 1977, the Inclined Plane once again carried people to the safety of higher ground, as well as carrying boats, emergency personnel and equipment down to the valley to aid in rescue operations.