The Reading Railroad was a major American railroad that operated primarily in the northeastern United States. Founded in 1833, it played a crucial role in transporting coal from the Pennsylvania coal fields to markets in the east. The railroad expanded its network over the years, connecting various cities and towns, which contributed to the economic growth of the region. In 1976, the Reading Railroad was officially merged into the Conrail system, marking the end of its independent operations. Today, the legacy of the Reading Railroad lives on, particularly in popular culture, as it is featured in the classic board game Monopoly as one of the four railroads players can buy.