 In 1848, the New York and Erie Railroad was built through the area; although the canal continued to operate for another fifty years, railroads eventually made canals obsolete.At the same time, the railroad brought tourism to the area and new sources of revenue; the rugged countryside of the upper Delaware Valley became a popular destination for urban tourists.Stations were built at Lackawaxen, West Colang and Mast Hope, and elaborate resort hotels soon were developed nearby.