This abandoned railway started out in 1881 as part of the Cincinnati, Lebanon and Northern Railway, known as the "Highland Route" to locals. Initially a narrow-gauge line, it was converted to standard gauge just 3 years after the line's completion. The line saw both freight and passenger traffic, though passenger service ceased in 1934. After a series of bankruptcies, it was purchased by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1896 and ultimately abandoned by the PRR in 1951.