Rausch Gap, Pennsylvania

Rausch Gap is a ghost town in Cold Spring Township, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania in the United States.

Once the largest of several coal mining towns in St. Anthony's Wilderness that appeared, flourished, and died during the period between 1830 and 1910. The ruins of the town are located in Cold Spring Township on the southern slopes of Sharp Mountain, where Rausch Creek cuts a gap through the mountain before entering Stony Creek, at 40°29′58″N 76°35′52″W / 40.49944°N 76.59778°W / 40.49944; -76.59778Coordinates: 40°29′58″N 76°35′52″W / 40.49944°N 76.59778°W / 40.49944; -76.59778.

While it may have been established as early as 1828, rapid growth did not occur until 1850, when the Dauphin and Susquehanna Coal Company built a railroad up the valley from the Susquehanna River to Rausch Gap. The town became a rail center, with company offices and repair shops situated there. In 1854, the Dauphin and Susquehanna was extended eastward to Pine Grove and Auburn, as part of a planned railroad to Allentown. By 1860, the population had grown to approximately 1,000. Employment was found in the mines and railroad shops. Many train crews also resided in Rausch Gap.

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