The NCR was an important link between Washington, D.C., and points along the northern path to Lake Ontario and upstate New York.

On November 18 and 19, 1863, President Lincoln traveled on the railroad and stopped at Hanover Junction before giving the Gettysburg Address.

[6] Between the years of 1838 and 1972, the NCR connected Baltimore, Maryland to York, Pennsylvania and vastly contributed to the municipalities along the railroad.

[8][9] The rails-with-trails was built alongside the York County-owned former PRR line, currently in use by heritage railway Steam into History.

Both attained the rank of Eagle on August 25, 1993, and their trail was officially opened to the public during York County Rail/Trail Adventure Day on June 4, 1994.