[1] It planned to build a rail line between Tamanend (also called Little Schuylkill Junction; west of Tamaqua) and Milton.

Construction began c. 1835, but the banking panic of 1837 restricted investments needed to continue work on the railroad.

[2] The 65 miles (105 km) route traversed some difficult terrain, and included three tunnels, and eight bridges and trestles.

[4] Express train service from Philadelphia to Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Chicago began on 7 May 1855, using the CW&E, as well as the Reading and Little Schuylkill Navigation lines.

The leases were challenged by the Philadelphia & Erie in litigation, and eventually they were upheld by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

[6] The company built an engine house and machine shop in Catawissa, on land donated by the town, in 1861.