It ran down the southern slope of Mount Washington, as part of the route to the suburb of Castle Shannon, 6 miles south of the incline's location.

Initially opened on August 26, 1890,[2] the incline operated for only a few days before breaking down,[3] the original machinery being unable to bear the strain of the large freight and passenger cars.

The company began passenger service in 1874 to develop towns at Fair Haven (Overbrook) and Castle Shannon.

Trains ran up the old incline, through the enlarged coal mine tunnel, down the slope and horseshoe curve, and through the valley.

[14][15][16] The site of the bottom of the incline is still visible as a gravel slope next to Carson Street where the bus lane joins.