The Warren Mail (10 October 1863) reports that the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, the "great line" that crosses the northwestern counties of Pennsylvania, has been leased by the Pennsylvania Railroad. Passenger and freight service were now open from Harrisburg to Driftwood on the Eastern Division (177 miles) and from Sheffield to Erie on the Western Division (70 miles).

Update, Elk County Advocate (29 March 1866)

 This great line traverses the northern and northwest counties of Pennsylvania to the city of Erie on Lake Erie. It has been leased by the Pennsylvania Rail Road Company and is operated by them. Its entire length was opened for passenger and freight business October 17th, 1864.