Shenandoah Valley Railroad (N&W)
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Shenandoah Valley Railroad was a line completed on June 19, 1882 extending down the Shenandoah Valley from Hagerstown, Maryland USA through the West Virginia panhandle into Virginia to reach Roanoke, Virginia and a connection with the Norfolk and Western Railway (N&W). The development of this railroad had considerable backing from the Pennsylvania Railroad. On September of 1890 it went into bankruptcy and was reorganized as the Shenandoah Valley Railway. Then in December of 1890, it became part of N&W. Today the tracks are a major artery of the Norfolk Southern system.
South of Harrisonburg, Virginia, a former part of the Norfolk Southern System a few miles west was a parallel line originally called the Valley Railroad. It was built in the late 1800s by the fierce competitor of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The line was purchased in 1942 by the Chesapeake Western Railway. A portion extending northward from Staunton, Virginia in Augusta County and Rockingham County became a new short-line railroad formed late in the 20th century by several major shippers. Ironically, the historic name of the once rival was adopted for the current privately-owned intrastate Shenandoah Valley Railroad (short-line) (AAR reporting mark SV). The remainder of this entry deals with the N&W line only, not this modern short-line.
| Shenandoah Valley Railroad | |
|---|---|
| Locale | Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia |
| Dates of operation | 1867 – 1890 |
| Successor line | Shenandoah Valley Railway, Norfolk and Western Railway |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge) |
| Headquarters | Roanoke, Virginia |
Contents |
[edit] Historical Timeline
| 1867 | • Shenandoah Valley Railroad chartered 2/23/1867 |
| 1870 | • Shenandoah Valley Railroad organized as a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
• Work on the road (railroad track) begins. |
| 1873 | • Work is suspended because of difficulty with contractor |
| 1879 | • Construction resumes in the spring of 1879.
• Train service begins between Shepherdstown and the Shenandoah river on 12/15/1879 (42 miles). |
| 1880 | • Service extended southward from Shenandoah River to Front Royal on 4/1/1880.
• Service extended southward to Bentonville on 5/10/1880. • Service extended northward to Hagerstown on 8/19/1880. • Service extended southward to Milford (now Overall) on 9/6/1880. • Separate section of service between Elkton and Waynesboro (area now called Basic City) begins on 11/22/1880. • The northern section extended south to Shenandoah Iron Works on 12/20/1880. |
| 1881 | • Elsewhere: Norfolk & Western Railroad Company (N&W) formed from purchase of Atlantic, Mississippi, and Ohio Railroad.
• Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia Air Line was formed via a contract between SVRR, N&W, and the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia Railroad. The Air Line was between Hagerstown, MD and Norfolk, VA. • The northern and southern sections of track are connected on 4/18/1881. Service is now from Hagerstown MD to Waynesboro VA. |
| 1882 | • Track completed southward from Waynesboro (Basic), VA to Roanoke, VA on 6/19/1882. Connection with Norfolk & Western Railroad is established.
• A contract between SVRR and N&W is signed on 12/29/1882 (ratified by stockholders on 2/12/1883). The majority of SVRR share capital was traded for N&W common stock. N&W agreed to loan SVRR up to $200,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years from 1/2/1883, if it loses money. |
| 1883 | • First-ever annual report is published. It is called the “Third Annual Report” to coincide with the N&W numbering scheme.
• Loss of $183,648.16 is covered by $200,000 loan from N&W for year 1883. |
| 1884 | • The Southern Despatch Line is formed between Pennsylvania Railroad, Cumberland Valley Railroad, Western Maryland Railroad, SVRR, N&W, and East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad.
• $135,000 loan from N&W for year 1884. |
| 1885 | • Shenandoah Valley Railroad forced into receivership 04/01/1885. |
| 1890 | • In September, Shenandoah Valley Railroad sold under foreclosure and reorganized as the Shenandoah Valley Railway; in December, Shenandoah Valley Railway is acquired and absorbed by Norfolk & Western Railroad. |
[edit] Idea of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad 1866-1870
The organizers of the SVRR planned to construct a railroad from the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) station in Hagerstown, MD (a branch out of Harrisburg, PA called the Cumberland Valley Railroad) to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad (V&T) in Salem, VA. The route called for 243 miles of new construction. The line follows closely the great iron ore belt along the western slope of the Blue Ridge.
Peter Bock Borst of Page County Virginia introduced a charter for the railroad for a bill before the Virginia General Assembly in 1866. The ambitious plan was to build a railroad from Harpers Ferry West Virginia, to the Virginia Central Railroad somewhere near Staunton, to a connection with the V&T around Salem, and finally to somewhere near the southwest corner of Virginia to meet the East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad.
Since the route traversed three states (Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia) three legislative authorizations were required. Virginia provided approval on February 23, 1867. West Virginia approved the construction idea on February 25, 1870. Maryland provided the final approval needed on April 4, 1870.
On March 14, 1870 the company was formed and the first president, Peter B. Borst, was elected.
[edit] Rival Railroads
After Maryland approved construction of a bridge over the Potomac river anywhere between Harpers Ferry and Williamsport, the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) took notice. There could be link with rival B&O railroad, as well as a link with its own Cumberland Valley Railroad, just north of Williamsport in Hagerstown. This new north/south line would be the key to capturing the traffic on numerous just-acquired southern lines and directing it to the port of Philadelphia. While, the B&O wanted to divert the riches of the area to the port of Baltimore and expand into the south. Each tried to cut off the other from the south. Meanwhile, Virginia really didn’t want either to succeed so that traffic would be directed to the Norfolk port.
The PRR began purchasing stock in the SVRR, and took effective control of it. B&O took control of a competing north/south line called the Valley Railroad. The plans showed the railroads were to run parallel to each other through the valley, sometimes just a few miles apart. The race was on.
[edit] Construction of the Main Line 1870-1882
The Central Improvement Company (a subsidiary of Pennsylvania Railroad) was awarded a contract to construct 224 miles of the SVRR from Shepherdstown to Salem for $35,000 a mile. The work was to be completed by August 1872. The major source of capital came from the sale of 6%(?) mortgage bonds backed by the Pennsylvania Railroad.
In 1871 Thomas A. Scott is elected as the second president of SVRR, he was also a Vice President of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Peter B. Borst was forced out because of his involvement with a competing plan for a similar rail line called the Luray Valley Railroad Company that was pushed through the general assembly in 1870.
In August 1871 the Central Improvement Company submitted a proposal to cancel the construction contract, asking for payment only for work completed. The proposal was rejected by SVRR. In 1872 the deadline for completion of the railroad was extended to January 1875 and 94 miles of work south of the C&O railroad in Staunton eliminated. Service began between Shepherdstown, WV and the Shenandoah river on 12/15/1879.
In September 1872 the Cumberland Valley Railroad (a subsidiary of Pennsylvania Railroad) was asked to construct the tracks from their station in Hagerstown, MD to Shepherdstown, WV. Service begins on that stretch in 1880.
Problems with PRR escalated over the inability to obtain a traffic contract with the Cumberland Valley Railroad. SVRR sends a team of surveyors during the summer of 1880 into Pennsylvania indicating a desire to build a line to Harrisburg to connect with the competing Philadelphia & Reading Railroad line. The bluff worked and a contract was worked out. But the split with PRR was now inevitable.
Also in 1880, service begins on the section south of the Shenandoah between Elkton and Waynesboro. In 1881 the north and south sections were connected. Finally, in 1882 it stretched south to the Norfolk & Western Railroad in Roanoke VA. The track was now complete.
Meanwhile, rival Valley Railroad (VRR) was trying to raise capital. With Robert E. Lee as its spokesman, it convinced Baltimore to authorize $1,000,000 to secure funding by other Virginia counties. Baltimore was to gain considerably by having the traffic from the richest parts of the south directed its way. Many delays occurred, particularly after the recession on the 1870’s, but traffic finally began between Harrisonburg and Staunton in 1883. The southern section never got built.
[edit] Recession Strikes, Bankruptcy 1882-1890
The financial panic of 1873 brought a deep recession that suppressed business into the 1880’s. In 1882 SVRR received a loan of $79,000 from E. W. Clark & Co. to cover that year’s shortfall. The life of all the bridges were ending and significant funds would be needed in the coming years.
In 1882 N&W made a deal with PRR to swap the SVRR share capital for N&W common stock. SVRR got a loan from N&W of $600,000, plus up to $200,000 per year for 3 years. PRR kicked in $150,000 as advanced payment for highly-discounted future traffic contracts. Control of SVRR stock was now with N&W. In 1883 SVRR floated $1.8 million of income bonds. Revenues continued to be far below forecast due to the bad economy.
In early 1885, SVRR defaulted on its loan interest, taxes, payrolls, and bills. A Roanoke judge put the line in a receivership, but in December, the mortgage company holding its notes filed suit for liquidation of the road’s assets. The Norfolk & Western Railroad fought a legal battle for the next four years to regain control. On Sept 30, 1890 the SVRR was reorganized as the Shenandoah Valley “Railway”, with stockholders approval to sell to N&W. On Dec 2 the Shenandoah Valley Railway acquired the rights to the franchise of the Washington & Western Railroad. On Dec 15, 1890 N&W purchased the company outright for $6,000,000 of stock and added the rails to its system.
By the way, the competing Valley Railroad ran out of capital to build in 1884 and struggled until it went into receivership in 1896. The final length of that line was 36 miles from Staunton to Lexington, the southern 51 miles to Salem never finished. The line was never profitable.
[edit] Station Map
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[edit] Stations and Other Railroad Locations
Station/Siding Names: The names listed are for the station or siding, not necessarily the name of the town they were near or in. Many times the station names were changed because they were the same as another station on another line, which after the lines were connected became very confusing to customers. Towns that grew up around stations often chose the station name as their name.
Mileage: Tracks were moved over time to eliminate steep grades and sharp curves, so the mile post values changed slightly throughout history. The mileage values listed are from the SVRR era, mostly the late 1880s. Most of these markers still exist along the tracks today, each showing H and a number to designate the mileage from Hagerstown.
Dates: The first date in parentheses is when the location first appeared in literature, whether there was station or not. A second date is the date the location/stop was eliminated (if known). A most definitive source of these dates are the annual reports, as they contain station/siding listings. Most stations were unfortunately demolished in the 1950's, a listing of these has not yet been located.
Hagerstown, MD - Mile Post 0.0 (Opened 8/19/1880)
There was a junction in Hagerstown with the Pennsylvania Railroad System via the Cumberland Valley Railroad. There was also a junction with the B&O Railroad via the Western Maryland Railroad. It is unclear which stations, if any, where owned by the SVRR since there where so many companies present.
Saint James, MD - Mile Post 5.9 (8/19/1880)
A combination (passenger and freight) station. The water tank that used to reside here was moved to Loch Laird in 1883. As of 2005, the station is a private residence located ¼ mile east on Route 64. The village was called Lyndia earlier.
Spielman’s Siding (pre 1883)
In Washington County; location was/is around 39°32'13"N 77°45'51"W
Grimes, MD - Mile Post 9.0 (8/19/1880)
In Washington County; location was around 39°31'16"N 77°46'17"W. It is unknown if there ever was a station here, or if it was just a stop.
Little Ramsburg Siding (pre 1889)
This may have previously been called Mondel’s Siding
Antietam (originally Sharpsburg), MD - Mile post 14.1 (8/19/1880) A combination station. Sharpsburg station was renamed Antietam station after a head-on slow-speed train collision between a passenger train and an excursion train was blamed on the confusion between the names Shepherdstown and Sharpsburg. Danial and Peter Ahl operated an iron works near town. As of 2005 the station still resides in Sharpsburg. At some point in time the station was rotated with the bay window now facing the highway instead of the tracks. As of 2005, it was undergoing restoration as the future home of the Hagerstown Model RR Museum.
Shepherdstown, WV - Mile post 16.9 (1879)
A combination station. In 1870 $8,000 of bond money was given to the railroad on the condition that railroad car shops and a train maintenance yard be built in Shepherdstown. At the time, there was intense competition with nearby Charles Town for the potential jobs. Unfortunately some properties had to be condemned to make room for the workshop. Many townspeople felt they were not paid fairly compensated for their lands worth, and went to court to fight for a fair settlement. The shops and maintenance buildings were torn down just a few years later, the SVRR had the towns money and fulfilled the fine-print of the agreement. The residents must have been livid.
The very first train to Shepherdstown arrived on January 1, 1879. However, that was just a construction train. Although lots of people were on hand to see the first train arrive, the town decided to mark the event with a little more fanfare a week later when passengers arrived. People from the SVRR, the contractors who built the track, and many other dignitaries were invited to attend. A parade made up of the Town Council, the local band and others started at Shepherd College (now McMurran Hall) and marched to the station to meet the train. It arrived at about 12:15 p.m. on January 8, 1879 to loud cheering, music from Criswell’s Cornet Band, and the ringing of every church bell in Shepherdstown.
Many prominent citizens used the spotlight to make speeches. After the speeches finished, the guests were escorted to the Entler Hotel, where a banquet was held in their honor, cooked by the ladies of the Reformed Church. Then at 5:00, the honored guests again boarded the Fairfax, the engineer blew the whistle and the train headed back to Charles Town.
The bridge northward over the Potomac river was started on March 17, 1880, and a crew of 35 men finished it in just under four months, on July 7 of that year. Two days later, the first train crossed the Potomac.
On October 31, 1884, Mr. George Carter robbed the men on a ballast train (a repair crew train) in Virginia, and a telegram was sent from Shepherdstown to Hagerstown to warn police there that Mr. Carter was on the train. When he got off at Hagerstown, the police were on hand to meet Mr. Carter, and to arrest him. Imagine a thief robbing train employees and then using the train to make his getaway!
Once the trains came, there were fires started by the trains, cinders polluted the air, it was a very dirty business. In early August of 1885, a freight car loaded with dry bark caught fire, probably from sparks from the engine of the train it was connected to. The trainmen tried to put out the flames but were unsuccessful. Livestock were sometimes run over by the trains. There were accidents involving people, too. The day that the first train arrived in Shepherdstown, a little girl named Louise Shepherd was nearly run over.
The first train station (built before 1884) was a wooden structure, located south of Princess St. (behind the Southern States). It looked very much like the Antietam station at Sharpsburg. In Nov of 1884 the safe in the station was robbed of about $60 by professionals who drilled a hole into it and blew it up with powder.
Some time later the current station was built exclusively for passengers, and the old station was used exclusively for freight. As of 2006, the passenger station has been restored and is accessible though it is being used commercially.
Morgan’s Grove Siding (1885 )
Siding extended 165 feet in 1886. Extended 524 feet in 1890. As of 2005, the siding still exists. A stone spring house, which remains on the Morgan Grove Park grounds located next to the siding, was the meeting point in 1775 of the men of Berkeley County for the famous Bee Line March to Concord.
Shenandoah Junction, WV Mile Post 23.1 (1879)
There was a junction here with the main line of the B&O Railroad. There was quite an operation here consisting of a passenger station, a freight station, a pump house and an engine coaling station. The stations have been torn down.
Aglionby’s Siding (1879, gone 1889)
Research efforts have found no history.
Charlestown, WV - Mile post 28.4 (1879)
There was a combination station, a freight house, and a signal tower here. There was a junction here with the Valley Branch of the B&O Railroad (hence the signal tower), a line that moved much of the construction materials needed to build the nearby section of the SVRR. The combination station was under restoration in 2005 and is situated near the tracks, but probably not in its original location.
Chew’s Siding (1883)
This is probably the private siding built in 1883 to Eagle Mfg Co. Research efforts have turned up the name ROGER PRESTON CHEW (1843-1921). He apparently was the president of Eagle Mfg Company. He was also a Confederate colonel who raised a battery of horse artillery, "Chew's Battery," which became part of the famous Laurel brigade under Jackson's command. He participated in all Jackson's campaigns until Jackson's death; and was promoted to chief of cavalry's guns serving through the Wilderness, Petersburg and Appomattox.
Wheatland, WV - Mile post 32.5 (1879)
Private station built in 1883. No town buildings seem to exist today, just a railroad crossing.
Rippon, WV - Mile post 33.7 (1879)
The original station burned on Oct 21, 1883 and was rebuilt. A new combination station was moved from Lofton in 1886. Cattle pen and 166 feet of siding was built 1886. The town is located 6 miles from Charlestown and ¾ mile from SVRR depot. In 1890 the town contained an Episcopal Church, several stores and shops. Another church, Presbyterian, was located about one mile from the village, on Bullskin Run (a stream). Some documents misspell this place as Ripon.
Fairfield (now Gaylord), VA - Mile post 36.2 (1879)
It is unknown if there ever was a station here, or if it was just a stop. Was named Gaylord by 1890. The post office pictured is off Gaylord Lane, a short road running parallel the westward lanes of Route 340.
Berryville, VA - Mile Post 39.9 (1879)
Separate passenger and freight stations.
Minerals: Located 4 ½ miles SSE of Berryville was the mineral rich Champ Shephard property. It consisted of a rich, porous brown hematite that was 50% metallic iron. Located 3 ½ miles SE (1 ½ miles NE of Champ Shepard) was the land of Mr. A. Mason Moore. The surface was abundant with float ore near Mr. Moore's house. It contained 50% metallic iron.
Brigg’s Siding (Private, 1885)
Nothing known about this private siding.
Boyce, VA - Mile Post 46.2 (1879)
Combination station located at the crossing of the SVRR and Millwood Turnpike from Winchester. Additional 940 feet of siding was added in 1885. Station has been moved to an unknown location and apparently exists as a printing company(?). Recent picture has been seen on another site.
White Post, VA - Mile Post 49.2 (1879, dismantled 1950’s)
White Post obtained its unique title through the fact that Lord Fairfax erected here a post and painted it white, upon which were inscriptions informing the traveler the direction in which lay Greenway Court and the distance to that seat of colonial royalty. The old station on the north side of Rte 628 was dismantled in the 1950’s and a smaller one erected on the south side of Rte 628.
Ashby, VA - Mile Post 53.2 (1879, gone 1946)
Wheelwright’s Siding (pre 1883)
Nothing known about this siding.
Cedarville, VA - Mile Post 56.4 (1879)
No evidence of a station found.
Limekiln Siding, VA (1879)
A .31 mile branch to Carson's Lime Kiln. Mistakenly called Lime Kiln in 1883 SVRR annual report.
Riverton, VA - Mile Post 59.2 (1879, dismantled 1952)
Nearby Front Royal refused to allow railroads in the town, so a combination station was built here on the northern bank of the Shenandoah river. The SVRR was a late comer to Riverton, so it bore the expense of building the tower “RV” controlling traffic at the junction with the Manassas Branch of the Virginia Midland RR. A new turn-table was built in 1890, along with 1980 feet of new siding.
In 1879 the three major businesses were the Riverton Flour Mills, Warren Manufacturing, and the Riverton Stone and Lime Company. The later was the first large traffic generator for the railroad, the reason why Riverton was the end of the first phase of the railroad.
Today, the tracks appear to be under the bridge leading to Front Royal. The SVRR station was located somewhere north of the river.
Spoke Factory Siding (post 1885)
Colbert HESSLER was Vice President. Apparently the factory was located in Mount Gilead, Loudoun County, Virginia.
Front Royal, VA - Mile Post 62.1 (4/1/1880, dismantled 1952)
The siding south of Front Royal was renamed Rando after the Randolph-Macon Academy, but the name never stuck. Hence it reverted back to Front Royal(?). The combination station was dismantled in 1952 and a 3 sided shelter was erected between Riverton and Front Royal on Kendrick Lane in Front Royal. More research needs to be done to disentangle the historical accounts of the different railroads in town.
Manor, VA - Mile Post 66.4 (5/10/1880)
A three-sided shelter existed in 1910. No evidence of a full station has been found.
Purcell’s Siding (pre 1883, gone 1889)
Nothing known.
Limeton (Limeton Siding up to 1890), VA (1886)
Served the Limeton Lime Company plant at Karo Landing, VA. Combination station built in 1890.
Bentonville, VA - Mile Post 72.9 (5/10/1880)
There was a combination station here.
Bentonville was at a summit 751 feet above sea level. The station received material from Superior Ochre, a paint ingredient manufacturer, and hides from the Mt. Vernon Tannery in nearby Browntown. On Feb 22, 1889 a boxcar somehow rolled down the track and was hit by a northbound passenger train, killing one.
Minerals: 3 miles north of Bentonville, and a close 450 yards of the SVRR line, was the Rudsill property. Located there was an open cellular limestone.
Overall, VA - Mile Post 75.6 (9/6/1880)
Originally this station was named Milford. Overall gets its name from the Overall family, large landowners at one time. One of the members of this family was Col. William C. Overall, who owned hundred of acres of land in that section. Today, there is a high trestle called Milford Bridge over where the town sign is on Route 340. Location and type of station unfound, but is probably on the northern side of the trestle since service stopped here while bridges were built to the south.
Minerals: In 1884 mineral deposits were already identified in four locations near Overall. In the Salina bank, 1 ¾ miles east of the Overall station was red hematite nearly 6 feet thick. This was considered the norther exhibit of the specular ore of Blue Ridge. Ore was already uncovered for 60-70 ft in 1884. The second location was 2 ½ miles SE from the station on the “Third Ridge” (nicknamed the “New Mine”). Deposits consisted of brown hematite on the SE side of the ridge. In 1884 there was an open cut 3 ½ feet wide, 40 ft long, and 20 ft deep. The ore was 56% metallic iron. The third location was on the “Fourth Ridge” (nicknamed “Traister find”). It was similar to the Third Ridge, considered a continuation of it. A fourth location was on Mr. G. N. Roy property, located on the west face of the “Fifth Ridge”. Not much ore was found, but it was similar to the Third and Fourth ridges.
Dry Run Siding (pre 1883)
Nothing is known about this siding.
Minerals: Located 2 miles NE of Rileyville, near the Dry Run Trestle, were minerals on the Hopper Development. In 1884, on the “First Ridge”, was a 40 ft circular mine cut 12 ft deep. It was found to be 56% metallic ore.
Rileyville, VA - Mile Post 79.8 (12/20/1880, gone 1952)
The original station burned on Dec 19, 1883, and was rebuilt. A new combination station was built in 1890.
The numerous Riley families soon became Rileyville. A nearby village called Cedar Point, doubtless due to a hill thickly clustered with cedar trees, dwindled after the station drove businesses to the top of the hill. There is a historical book of Rileyville at the Luray Copy Center.
Minerals: Located 2 miles ENE of Rileyville, was the Bonanza mine, developed by Harmer & Randle. In 1884, the mine was 45 ft long and 7 ft deep. There were indications of quite a fovorable amount of ore which was 47% metallic ore. Emanuel Alger’s property, located ½ mile from Honey Run trestle, contained a mine in 1884 consisting of brown hematite. The mine was 25 ft long, 3-4 ft wide, and 4 ft over burden. Testing showed contents to be 46% metallic ore. Honey Run trestle is somewhere between Rileyville and Kimball.
Vaughn’s Summit, VA - Mile Post 83.0 (12/20/1880)
Called Summit Siding originally, it was renamed Vaughn’s Summit Siding after a nearby family, then renamed to Vaughn’s Summit. Extended in 1883. Not sure if a station ever existed, though “siding” was dropped from its name which would imply so.
Minerals: Ore deposits were discovered on the properties of T. S. Weaver and Joseph Heiston just West of the siding.
Kimball (Now Elgin), VA - Mile Post 85.1 (12/20/1880, gone 1952)
There was a combination station here. Kimball is named after F. J. Kimball, who at one time was president of the Norfolk and Western Railway. Name was changed to Elgin by 1890. The post office is still Kimball, though the railway station is Elgin, to prevent confusion with another railway station named Kimball in Southwest Virginia.
Minerals: Located 2 miles NNW from the Kimball station, 120 yards from the line, is a mine on Mr Brekenridge Rust’s property. In 1884 the operation was in operation, using the water from Jeremy’s Run ¾ miles away for processing. It was thought that a well could easily be dug to reduce costs. The load was 51% metallic ore.
Luray, VA - Mile Post 88.8 (12/20/1880)
There was both a passenger station and a freight station here. The caverns located near this station were (and still are) a major tourist destination, and a catalyst of much needed lucrative passenger traffic.
Luray perhaps got its name from Lorraine in France, the similarity of the country around Luray and the French province being so striking. Others say that the town got its name from "Lou Ramey," an old blacksmith who is said to have lived and flourished in his day at this place, they contending that "Lou Ramey" finally dropped into "Luray".
Peter Bock Borst, involved heavily with SVRR, was the postwar development spokesperson for the Shenandoah Valley. With the motto, "It is better to wear out than rest out," the latter part of his life was filled with labor. On April 24, 1882, while in the service of legal matters at the Rust House, and in the presence of Judge Bird and several other lawyers, suddenly and noiselessly Borst fell back in his chair, and although a dozen hands were willing to go to his assistance he was dead from apoplexy, by the time they could lay him on the bed. Borst was laid to rest in Green Hill Cemetery. Isabella would survive her husband for several more years before passing in 1916 and being laid to rest next to Peter.
Spitler’s Siding (1889)
Research has turned up nothing about who/what Spitler was.
Sands, VA (also Stanley, Marksville) - Mile Post 95.6 (12/20/1880, gone pre 1889)
The combination station was located 1 mile east of the town. In 1885, the station was known as Sands, being named after Joseph H. Sands, the superintendent of the SVRR. In 1890, the railroad was sold and the station name was changed to Stanleyton, which was later shortened to Stanley. James McNider was at the time President of the Stanley Furnace and Land Company. It was either his son or his nephew, Stanley McNider, after whom the Town was officially named in on 2/14/1890. The station was destroyed during a town-wide fire in 1909 (presumably a post 1890 station built by N&W).
"Marksville", according to Page's veteran auctioneer George Bailey, got its name from a family by the name of Marks who long since lived at that place. All the family members are gone. It is unclear the relationship between Marksville and Stanley, though an 84 year old life-long resident of the area indicated that they were one in the same. A nearby bridge was called East Liberty, another name found on 1890 RR maps. More research is needed here.
Minerals: In 1884, located 1 mile SE of the station was a mine on the Donovan property. It was an open cut mine 50 ft long, 50 ft wide, and 12 ft deep of brown hematite. Below this was a tunnel 60ft into the hill (35 ft below the open pit). Other cuts in the area also showed ore, all of which was 53% metallic ore.
In 1885, the Oxford Ochre Company began the operation of ochre mill and mine where the railroad crossed Stony Creek, one mile southwest of Stanley. This commodity was shipped north for use in making paint. Because of the availability of higher-grade ochre elsewhere, the plant was closed in 1911.
In 1890, a manganese mine began operation a mile southeast of the Town just west of Round Head Mountain. Also at the time, in the Town itself, there was at least one bark mill (which processed bark for shipment to tanneries,) an ice plant and flourmill.
Beidler’s Siding (private 1890)
Research has not determined who/what Beidler was, but the siding still exists off of Donovan Rd in Stanley, VA. As of 2006, a company called Masonite Door Corp has a manufacturing facility here. Interesting the name Donovan, see the entry for Ingham below.
Nauman’s Siding (pre 1889)
Research has not determined who/what Nauman was. The siding has not been located but may be at the other end of Donovan Rd as Beidler's Siding. The auto road, running parallel to the RR line, ends now about .6 miles south of Beidler's Siding.
Ingham (Siding pre 1889), VA - Mile Post 101.9 (12/20/1880)
Combination station was built between 1885 and 1889. Presumably the station was near Ingham Rd which is a private road off of Grove Hill River Rd. According to Google Maps, Ingham Rd used to cross the RR tracks. It then ran north, parallel to the tracks on the east side, ending above the Cold Springs Dr tunnel. There is a driveway running from Cold Springs Dr up toward the tracks. The pad may indeed lie there.
Minerals: Ingham’s Ore Bank was here, probably run by The Beverly Ore Company’s mine (once part of the Donovan property). In 1884 it was operational and between Feb 1883 and June 1884; 3346 tons of ore had been shipped to nearby furnaces. Siding was extended in 1883
Grove Hill, VA - Mile Post 104.0 (12/20/1880?)
The site is located off Rinaca Lane (RTE 610). The pad was not found, but the location was independently confirmed in 2006 by an 84 year-old Mr Comer who has spent his whole life off of Crooked Run Rd, about a mile east off of Grove Hill River Rd. Mile marker H104 is also visible to the south.
Milnes (now Shenandoah), VA - Mile Post 106.7 (12/20/1880)
Both a passenger station and a freight station were located here. 50-ton iron-frame scale built in 1883. Cattle pen and 542 feet of siding built in 1886. Coal wharf expanded and rebuild in 1889. The station still exists in quite good condition as a NS work building. As of 2006, it appears restoration is still onging as witnessed by bare framing inside. It is located off of 1st street.
Named afer William Milnes, (1827-1889). He was born in England on December 8, 1827 and was eventually a Representative from Virginia. He immigrated to the United States in 1829 with his parents, who settled in Pottsville, Pa. He attended the public schools, learned the machinist’s trade, engaged in mining and shipping coal, then moved to Virginia in 1865 and settled in Shenandoah. There he engaged in the iron business, was a member of the State house of delegates in 1870 and 1871. Upon the readmission of Virginia to representation, he was elected as a Conservative to the Forty-first Congress and served from January 27, 1870, to March 3, 1871. After which he resumed the iron business, became president fo the SVRR, and eventually died 08/14/1889 and buried in the family plot in Old Cemetery.
Through the work of William Milnes, Shenandoah became the midpoint between Roanoke, Virginia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and enabled town industries to ship out their goods through means other than the river. Milnes took advantage of the railroad's presence and erected the Big Gem Cast Iron Furnace. The Big Gem was completed in 1882 and produced 110 tons of iron ore per day. It became a popular tourist destination as well because of the sparks that could be viewed each night as red hot cinder was poured down the cinder bank. The Big Gem literally lit up the entire town.
On June 27, 1882, the name of the post office was changed from Shenandoah Iron Works to Milnes. On February 12, 1884, and Act was passed by Virginia General Assembly to incorporate the town. It bore the name Milnes, in honor of William Milnes, Jr., President of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad. He died in 1889.
On March 8, 1890, the name of the post office was changed from Milnes to Shenandoah. Thereafter, the name of the town was changed, by an Act of the General Assembly, from Milnes to Shenandoah City. During the following years, the word "city" was informally dropped from the town’s name.
In 1890, thanks to the efforts of the Shenandoah Land and Improvement Company, Shenandoah experienced a sudden and rapid growth known as the "boom." Most businesses established themselves on one side of First Street so that they could face the railroad yards and the Shenandoah River. In 1891, the "boom" collapsed and a general depression settled over the entire country. The Town maintained a degree of prosperity due to the continued operation of the Furnace Company and the Railroad.
On Mar 19, 1890 the luxurious town hotel, "The Shenandoah," were destroyed by a fire.
Milnes Ore Branch Siding (12/20/1880)
Milnes (see above) is the site of Shenandoah Iron Company, which was capital intesive company, employs a great many men. .17 miles of siding were added in 1883 to reach Milnes Yard. The “Gem” furnace of the Shenandoah Iron, Lumber, Mining and Mfg Company was put into blast in Feb 1883. On 9/15/1885 it was forced into receivership after the recession that depressed pig iron and other mineral prices.
Minerals: Nearby mines on the 33,000-acre site included the Smith Bank, 3 ¼ miles ESE of Milnes station. Also Boyer or Stoney Run located 3 miles N of Fox Mountain Bank, which was 2 miles E of the Gem furnace. The mine had just been opened in 1884 and was 10-12 ft deep, providing 50 tons of 51% metallic ore per day. Kimball Bank was 3 miles E of Milnes, consisted of Atwood & Bolan banks, which had a narrow gauge road 400 yards in length connecting to the SVRR. Mevica (Merica?) Bank was 3 miles SE of the iron works, 1-½ miles from the SVRR. The Garrison Tract Company mine was 3 miles E of the SVRR, and was 53% metallic manganese. The Fox Mountain Bank, which was considered the most important development, was 5 miles SSE of the iron works, 1200 yds from an old charcoal furnace. Tunnels 100 yards in provided 53% metallic iron ore. Adjacent to Fox Mountain Bank was the Wilmer and Jackson property. Its mine was 50% metallic ore.
Elkton, VA - Mile Post 112.5 (11/22/1880)
Both a passenger station and a freight station were here. 284 feet of siding added in 1885.
Yancey’s Siding (1883 )
Research efforts have not determined what/who Yancy was.
Seller’s Siding (pre 1883)
Research efforts have not determined what/who Seller was.
120 Mile Siding (pre 1883)
Passengers were picked up here in 1889, was there a station or was it just a flag stop?
Minerals: There was a non-working mine on Mr. George W. Berlin’s property 2 miles SSE of the 120 mile siding. It was only 31% metallic ore.
124 Mile Siding (pre 1883) Research efforts have not determined what was here.
Port Republic, VA - Mile Post 127.2 (11/22/1880)
There were both passenger and freight stations here. The station was originally named Leroy, but was named after the nearby village of Port Republic in 1886.
Minerals: 4 miles E of the Port Republic was the Abbott Iron Company’s property. In 1884 its two banks supplied ore to the Mt Vernon furnace. The Weaver Upper & Lower banks were 44% metallic ore. The Raines Bank was 45% metallic ore. 4 miles SSE or Port Republic, 1 mile from the Mt Vernon furnace, was the Miller Bank. It was also 2 miles from the Weyers Cave station, and the ore was 46% metallic ore.
Grottoes (was Shendun and Liola), VA - Mile Post 130 (1889)
There was a combination station erected here in 1889.
Recognizing the economic potential of the railroad, Staunton businessman and land speculator Jedediah Hotchkiss bought up the land which today comprises the town. Hotchkiss, a Stauntonian, had earned national fame as Civil War General Stonewall Jackson’s mapmaker. The area was known as Liola.
Hotchkiss’ Grottoes Land Company mapped out a town called Shendun, an alternate pronunciation of Shenandoah, which became a reality in 1891 with 700 residents. The Plumber's Supply Works and a brass factory were being built. There were two brick factories, Jordan Brick Works and Law Brick Factory, a woolen mill, a plaster factory, a tile factory and a sash and blind factory started about this time. Many of these factories had borrowed money from the Grottoes Company to initiate their business. A tin shop was ready to open and a twenty-four room hotel was under construction. In that year mail service started, a bank was built, the roads were paved, a newspaper was founded, and businesses flourished. On Feb. 16, 1892 the Virginia General Assembly incorporated Shendun.
The following year, however, was not good. Not only was the nation plunged into a depression, but also Hotchkiss’ company and the newspaper failed and the Grottoes Hotel burned to the ground. By the early 1900s, many businesses had started anew, including the Bank of Grottoes, which opened in 1908. In 1912 the town started fresh with a new name, Grottoes.
On Grottoes’ southwestern outskirts is Grand Caverns Regional Park. Grand Caverns is the reason for the name of Grottoes. Like the village of Weyers Cave to the west, Grottoes was named for this tourist attraction, but unlike Weyers Cave, which actually has no caverns, this is the real place.
Weyer’s Cave - Mile Post 129.1 (11/22/1880, gone pre 1889)
There was a passenger station here.
This was a favorite tourist location because of the widely featured articles in Harper’s Monthly Magazine about the nearby caves. Mistakenly referred to as Weyer’s Gave (notice the G instead of C) in 1883 SVRR annual report. Snowflake Mills, Stoney Point, and Weyers Cave Milling produced flour that was shipped in barrels.
Harriston (was Patterson), VA - Mile Post 133.0 (11/22/1880)
A combination station was located here named Patterson. In 1885 the name was changed because of another station on the N&W had the same name.
Harriston was first settled in 1762 by William Patterson. By the 19th century, the upwardly mobile Patterson’s undertook the construction of a brick mansion that stands today. The farm originally was called Harriston in honor of the Patterson ancestral home. Later, the name of the farm was changed to Willow Grove. In 1890, S.D. Patterson laid out the three-street village of Harriston next to the railroad.
135 Mile Siding (post 1883)
It is unknown why this siding existed.
Crimora, VA - Mile Post 136.9 (1883)
There was a combination station here at this branch.
Crimora Mines Siding (1883, gone pre 1889)
Additional 166 feet of siding built in 1885. Additional 80 feet of siding built in 1886 .
Minerals: The thing that put Crimora on the map was the mineral manganese. At one time the mining operations here were among the largest in the world. 2 miles E of the station was the Crimora Manganese Mine, located on the Virginia Manganese Company land. In 1884 it was in operation.
Dooms Siding, VA - Mile Post 141.0 (pre 1883)
It is unknown of a station existed here. Additional 300 feet of siding was added in 1885.
Dooms was a stop on the railroad named for John Dooms, who allowed the tracks to pass through his property. The Dooms family once had a store in the community as well. The hamlet once had a post office, but it closed in 1934.
Waynesboro Junction (now Basic), VA - Mile Post 143.2 (11/22/1880)
There was passenger station here at the junction with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. Originally the tracks were dug down under the C&O line, with the station on ground level.
Across the river from Waynesboro, a planned industrial-residential city was laid out in 1890, and it was named Basic City (Basic for the patented process for making steel). Basic City is NOT the same as Basic. SVRR and C&O were in Basic while the B&O was in Basic City. To make matters worse Waynesboro still exists today as well. Research is very difficult here because of often misused names in much of the material written, and the constant references to "railroad" without indicating which one.
Lyndhurst, VA - Mile Post 148.0 (06/19/1882)
A combination station was located here, the name supposedly thought up by SVRR's George C. Milne who named the community after Lord Lyndhurst.
Sherando, VA - Mile Post (?) (06/19/1882, gone in 1884)
This station was listed in the 1883 annual report, but was not listed in the 1885 station list or mentioned for removal for that year. Also, the furnace closed down in 1884. The station may have simply been moved to Lipscomb (see below).
Sherando is an alternative spelling of Shenandoah. A post office was established here in 1853 and discontinued in 1913. Sherando Station, as it was once called, was the site of a porcelain pottery business after a vein of pure white kaolin was discovered. An extensive fire at the pottery and the economic crash of 1873 put an end to that operation. Iron, manganese and sand have also been mined in the area. Mount Torry Furnace, the remains of which can be seen along Va. 664, was built in 1804 by Englehard Yeiser and is located 4-1/2 miles from the station location. During the Civil War the furnace supplied iron to the Confederate cause and thus suffered the wrath of Union General David Hunter in 1864. The ironworks reopened after the war but closed permanently in 1884. The ruins of the furnace are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Another mine, on the Kennedy Iron Tract, was adjacent to the Furnace. In 1884 it consisted of good quality 31% manganiterous iron ore and 17% metallic iron ore. Nearby (but not known where) was the Catopaxi Furnace which was abandoned around 1860. In 1884 a mine was on Newton’s property 3 miles east of the furnace, 4 miles from the SVRR.
Lipscomb, VA - Mile Post 150.0 (post 1883 but pre 1889)
The Sherando station may have been moved here after its furnace was shut down (see above).
Stuarts Draft, VA - Mile Post 153.0 (1881)
There was a combination station here.
Stuarts Draft got its name from an early settler (Thomas Stuart, who purchased 353 acres there in 1749) and the fact that the South River, a tributary branch of the Shenandoah River runs through it, carving out the land as it rolls along. Such a river or creek and its accompanying landscape was once known as a draft. This region of the country is about the only place in the US that you will find "drafts" dotting the countryside. Stuarts Draft became "official" in 1837 when a post office was opened. The sleepy village really woke up in 1881 when SVRR came through. By the 1920s, there were more than 400 people in the town, and the railroad became the link for shipping fruit and poultry products to the big city markets.
Gaw’s Siding (1885 , gone 1889)
It is not known what/who Gaw was.
154 Mile Siding (1889)
It is not known why this siding was built
Crobarger’s Siding (1884)
Not in 1883 annual report; in 1885 report but not as being new.
Coldsprings/Cold Spring (now Greenville), VA - Mile Post 159.4 (06/19/1882)
There was a passenger station here.
Originally named for the nearby spring, the station name was changed to Greenville after the nearby village. Both spellings of the original name have been found in documents of the era; which is correct is not known. A clear picture of the side of the station would settle it.
Lofton, VA - Mile Post 162.7 (06/19/1882)
A very small shed-style station was located here in 1912, it is unknown what the original station was.
165 Mile/Pkin Siding (pre 1889)
At the intersection of Tree Lodge Farm and South Bottom Roads. It is unknown what/who Pkin was.
Vesuvius, VA (06/19/1882)
There was a combination station here. The Vesuvius furnace was shutup before sometime before 1884.
Marlbrook, VA (06/19/1882, removed 1883)
Research has not turned up any information. Mile marker 172ish.
174 Mile Siding (1886)
Research has not turned up any information.
Rawling’s Siding (1883, removed 1885)
Before or after Marlbrook?
Midvale, VA (06/19/1882, retired 1945)
A combination station was located here. 44 additional feet of siding added in 1885.
Crowder’s Siding (renamed Cornwall in 1890) (pre 1889)
It is not known who/what Crowder was.
Riverside, VA (1881)
A combination station resided here.
Appold’s Siding (Private 1883 , gone pre 1889)
A steam-tannery was built by George Appold & Sons near Loch Laird in 1883. Passengers picked up in 1885, was there a station built in 1884?
Buena Vista, VA (1889? Pre 1891)
There was a combination station here. In 1880 two railroads, forming a junction, ran through Buena Vista. The railroads were the SVRR and Richmond & Allegheny Railroad which ran to Lexington from Glasgow.
In 1884 the old furnace was in ruins, though numerous deposits were nearby. 1 mile from where the SVRR crosses the James River (right station?) were mines on the Glenwood estate. This very valuable property was in heavy operation in 1884.
Under the management of A.T. Barclay, the Buena Vista Company was created in 1889 to promote the development of the iron resources of the vicinity, to utilize the water power of the North River (now known as the Maury River), and to create an industrial and manufacturing center. Within a year, Buena Vista (other possible names were Green Forest and Glasgow) was established as a town with a population of approximately 400 and all the promise of good things to come. The construction of the Norfolk and Western Railroad helped trigger a great land boom in 1889. The station opened in 1890. People eager to take advantage of the opportunities relocated to the town and by February 15, 1892 it had a population of 5,240 persons. The city of Buena Vista quickly became the center for this "boom" activity in the county. It was incorporated as a first class city in 1891 and thus became politically independent of Rockbridge County.
The attraction to Buena Vista was iron ore which was located in the foothills, The Buena Vista Company decided to build a furnace to convert pig iron to steel and opened an old mine which had been use for many years before by John Jordan. Though the furnace was operated for many years , the supply of local ore only lasted a short time and the furnace had to be fed by ores transported over a long distance. Subsequently, a fertilizer factory was built along with a glass plant, woolen mills, firebrick plant and a foundry. The Buena Vista Paper Mills manufactured from eight to ten tons of books, news and wrapping paper per day. The Buena Vista Cassimere Mills, producer of cassimere and woolen cloths, was capable of 650 yards per day of 3 quarter goods. The Marr Egg Crate Company manufactured its owner's patented invention designed for the safe transportation of eggs. The Wise Wagon Works, which was capable of producing 1,000 wagons per year, and the Wilbourne Saddle and Harness Factory, were also located in Buena Vista. The panic of 1893 signaled the end of the land boom. and like many other boom towns of the period, Buena Vista suffered.as a result. By that time it had over 5,000 residents and 19 industries employing 1,000 workers. Buena Vista's hearty people survived the crash better than most other towns that experienced the same disappointments. and has always managed to bounce back so that progress is steady toward the establishment of a viable economy.
Loch Laird (also called Lochlaird), VA (06/19/1882)
There was a junction with the Lexington Branch of the Richmond & Allegheny Railroad. The water tank was moved from Saint James to here in 1883. A new small single-room station was built in 1885 for joint use of SVRR and the Richmond and Allegheny Railroad. 621 feet of new siding added in 1885. Today, the station apparently is on the opposite side of the river from route 501. Need picture of modern site.
Thompson, VA (06/19/1882)
Town doesn’t seem to exist anymore.
Buffalo Forge, VA (06/19/1882)
There was a combination station here.
Developed by two men from Pennsylvania (William Weaver during the war of 1812, and later Daniel Brady) the Buffalo forge produced much of the iron used by the Confederacy during the Civil War.
Emil, VA Flag Stop (06/19/1882)
Two miles south of Buffalo Forge
Glasgow, VA (previously 195/196 Mile Siding) (1886)
Glasgow was born on March 5, 1890, the day the Rockbridge Company held a drawing of lots. At that time only two houses, Union Ridge and the Salling home, stood in Glasgow which then boasted a population of no more than 20 people. By June 1890, 55 houses stood in Glasgow. By October 25, 1890, there was a population of over 800, with 12 factories and industries operating or under construction. The SVRR station also opened in 1890. As of 2005 there is a connection with the CRX railroad here.
On September 17, 1892, a procession of fine polished carriages began to arrive through the newly lighted street lamps of Glasgow's mammoth Hotel. People from all across the nation and from more than a dozen foreign countries attending the opening night gala. The hotel boasted more than 200 rooms and suites in Queen Anne style. A roof garden, a daring architectural innovation in the 1890s, reflected the dazzling mood of its creators.
It was a night of financial frenzy. A bank of long-distance operators kept the telephones buzzing. Over the wires, money was doubled and tripled; Paper profits compounded and went out of sight. The murmur of great fortune and success filled the air over Glasgow. As if by magic, business contracts appeared, were signed and whisked away. But the fairy tale did not end happily ever after. That night, soon after the guests departed, a small group of men known as "receivers", arrived to burst one of the biggest bubbles ever blown. What began as a beautiful and wonderful night is remembered as the night of doom and devastation. On the very night of the gala opening, the failure of the Baring Brothers International Bankers, touched off an alarm that was soon felt across the Atlantic. The economic panic of 1893 put the Rockbridge Company out of business.
The panic was caused by the Reading Railroad, a major eastern line, going out of business. It was soon magnified by the failures of hundreds of banks and business that were dependent upon the railroads. The United States Treasury experienced a drain on its gold reserves, which developed into a full-fledged panic in 1893. The Rockbridge Company's stock and land values plummeted, and the company failed. The boom had busted! The stock market reacted with a dramatic plunge and European investors started pulling their funds from United States Stocks. With the end of the Rockbridge Company, plans for Glasgow's development ended. What a night!
Locher’s Siding (06/19/1882, removed 1886)
Extended 30 feet in 1883. 345 feet of siding removed in 1886. This appears before a station for Glasgow, it appears to be a different place, though.
In 1848, Charles Hess Locher came to Balcony Falls and founded the James River Cement Works. At the time, construction of the Kanawha Canal on the James River was going to improve the river transportation. The James River Cement Works produced natural cement for most of Virginia until Portland cement, much superior in quality and strength to the natural product, became widely available. Charles Locher's two sons. Harry and Eben, ran the company after the Civil War until it closed down in 1907.
Natural Bridge, VA (06/19/1882)
New combination station in 1911.
206 Mile siding (1885 , gone pre 1889)
It is not known what was here that warranted a siding.
Solitude Order Station (previously Glenwood Siding) (06/19/1882)
Location of a train order station. There was a junction here with the main line of the Richmond & Allegheny Railroad(??).
Arcadia, VA (06/19/1882)
A flag stop in 1882. The Arcadia Iron Company was located here, with a tract of 20,000 acres. Today, the site is located off Solitude Road as well as a nearby furnace.
212/213 Mile siding (pre 1885, removed pre 1889)
Additional 33 feet of siding built in 1885. It is unknown what was here that warranted a siding.
Buchanan, VA (06/19/1882)
There is a connection here. 9 miles NW of Buchanan (on west side of river?) was an operational mine on the Purgatory Iron propery. It was 2-1/2 miles from the Richmond and Allegheny Railroad, which may have met SVRR here. As of 2005, the combination station pad still exists off 15th Street (next to a RR car B&B).
Ellis Run Siding (post SVRR?)
Found during site visit in 2005.
Lithia, VA (previously called Mollie) (06/19/1882)
There was a combination station here.
Spec Mine Siding?
Located at mile marker 221.
Nace, VA (previously Houston, 06/19/1882)
Named for Sam Houston, the name was later changed to Nace due to numerous other stations called Houston in the country.
Houston Mines Siding (06/19/1882)
Crozer Steel and Iron Company had an operation mine here in 1884 called Houston Mines. The ore was sent to the Crozer furnace in Roanoake.
Troutville, VA (06/19/1882)
Named after Big Lick native Henry Shaver Trout. Trout, with his father John, ran the Franklin Road inn called the Trout House. Trout, along with Peyton Leftwich Terry, were heavily involved in the convincing of the SVRR to come to Big Lick. .
David Houston, Henry Trout, Peyton Terry, and other native investors organized the Roanoke & Southern Railroad Company. The firm, which had a North Carolina counterpart, planned to construct a 122-mile line from Roanoke to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that would essentially complete the second half of the route originally proposed for the Clark firm’s Shenandoah Valley Railroad (SVRR). The city’s editors applauded the idea, predicting the completed railroad would double the size of Roanoke and usher in the same kind of boom that accompanied the arrival of the SVRR. Local property owners, the only residents eligible to vote on civic financial issues, had previously rejected several small bonds for infrastructure improvements, but in April 1886, they almost unanimously approved issuing $100,000 in bonds to buy Roanoke & Southern stock. In the years that followed, however, the railroad struggled to find other investors and construction of the line stalled. In 1889, local business leaders proposed issuing bonds to cover another $100,000 stock subscription. The road, one merchant explained, was crucial for Roanoke since it “would add millions to the wealth of the city” by opening up a southern trade.49 The press urged freeholders to endorse the subscription, warning that Salem residents would “gladly give all and more than Roanoke is asked to subscribe” and had even come up with a new name for the line: “The Salem & Southern.”50 Roanoke’s property owners voted 540 to 11 to authorize the purchase but on the same ballot rejected far smaller bonds for a hospital and police headquarters.51 Later in the year, Henry Trout, Peyton Terry, and other business leaders provided the final incentive for the line by purchasing its $75,000 right-of-way into the city. Construction ended in early 1892, and shortly after the first Roanoke & Southern train pulled into town.
The line was leased to N&W. Then four years later, the N&W bought the Roanoke & Southern and turned the line into its Winston-Salem Division.
In 1884 there was an operation mine ½ south of the station on Jacob G. Layman’s farm.
Cloverdale, VA (06/19/1882)
Confirmed by area resident in 2006 that station was torn down in late 1980’s or early 1990’s.
Hollins, VA (around 1890)
Was a flag stop named Tinker Creek for the nearby stream when built in 1882. A private siding called Hollins’ Institute was added in 1883. A station was built sometime in 1889 or later, Cooper’s book says it was built after SVRR was absorbed into N&W.
Tinker Creek, VA (06/19/1882, gone by 1908)
Was a flag stop named for the nearby stream when built in 1882. This is listed as a separate place than Hollins. Gone by 1908.
Crozer Steel and Iron Works Siding (privately built 1883, acquired 1883)
Furnace was put into blast in May 1883. Deed dated October 31, 1887 wherein William T McClure and Benjamin Patterson granted a 1/4 acre located near Upland Mines Railroad Bedford Co. to Crozer Steel and Iron Co. Deed dated September 8, 1905 wherein V.I.C C. conveyed to N&W Railroad Co. additional right of way for side track at Crozer Furnace, Roanoke VA. Copy of court ruling dated June 18, 1892 in suit of Crozier Iron Co. Vs Roanoke Rolling Mill.
Gale Mine (Siding?) (pre 1883, not in 1885 annual report)
Roanoke Gas Works Siding (private, 1883 , gone pre 1889)
Roanoke, VA (06/19/1882)
50-ton iron-frame scale with scale house & C. (?) built . Coal Wharf erected 1889. Brick oil house erected 1889.
[edit] Research Resources
All words/pictures must be original, or permission explicitly given for use here. See WikiPedia for more details on copyrighted material.
Significant resources used:
• SVRR Annual Report 3 (Fiscal Year 1883, first report)
• SVRR Annual Report 5 (Fiscal Year 1885)
• SVRR Annual Report 6 (Fiscal Year 1886)
• SVRR Annual Report 9 (Fiscal Year 1889)
• SVRR Annual Report 10 (Fiscal Year 1890, last report)
• Iron Horses in the Valley, The Valley and Shenandoah Valley Railroads, 1866-1882 by John R. Hildebrand, 2001 ISBN 1-57249-232-5
• Norfolk & Western's Shenandoah Valley Line by Mason Y. Cooper, 1998 ISBN 0-9633254-7-7
• The Mineral Wealth of Virginia, 1884 by Andrew S. McCreath. Printed in Harrisburg PA by Lane S. Hart. Copy located in the history room of the Charles Town West Virginia library.
• When Trains Came to Shepherstown, 200 by Johnna Armstrong for The Station at Shepherdstown.
Additional Resources known to exist, but not yet culled for information:
• SVRR Annual Report 4 (Fiscal Year 1884)
• SVRR Annual Report 7 (Fiscal Year 1887)
• SVRR Annual Report 8 (Fiscal Year 1888)
• Virginia Tech has a collection. Records include stockholders' and directors' minutes (1870-91, 7 vols.); indexes to minutes (1870, 1887, 2 vols.); index to papers (1870-80, 1 vol.); president's letters received and written index (1881-84, 1 vol.); secretary's letter books (1881-84, 3 vols.); treasurer's statements (1880-89, 7 vols.); treasurer's scrapbook of newspaper clippings (1881-83, 1 vol.); construction cash books and journals (1879-81, 3 vols.); construction ledger (1879-81, 1 vol.); financial journals (1879-85, 5 vols.); ledger (1879-81, 1 vol.); daily estimates of gross earnings (1886-89, 1 vol.); register of income mortgage bonds (1883-90, 1 vol.); bond book (1879-80, 1 vol.); stock and bond subscriptions (1881-82, 1 vol.); drafts issued (1880, 1 vol.); treasurer's memoranda (1880-89, 2 vols.); statements of receiver's receipts and disbursements (1887-90, 4 vols.); executive correspondence, reports, subject files, and contracts including correspondence of F. J. Kimball, Herman Haupt, Joseph Doran, J.B. Austin, and others (1870-91, 4 cu. ft.); scrapbooks of newspaper clippings (1881-86, 4 vols.); circulars, timetables, etc. (1885-87, 1 vol.); annual reports and other printed materials (1870-90). Norfolk and Western Railway Archives. Ms81-092.
• FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTORS OF THE NORFOLK & WESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY - Format: Paperback - to the SHAREHOLDERS For The Year ending December 31st, 1881. Philadelphia. Allen, Lane 7 Scott's Printing House. (1882). 51 pages. Printed gray wraps, (9-1/16 inch). Large folding map with railroad & shipping routes and state lines in color. "MAP SHOWING THE LINE OF THE NORFOLK AND WESTERN AND SHENANDOAH VALLEY RAILROADS AND THEIR CONNECTION WITH THE VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE & GEORGIA AIR LINE." (27-1/2 x 22 inches). The map shows from Arlington, Vermont to Tampa, Florida & Atlantic Ocean to Leavenworth, Kansas
