Picture of the day - July 30, 2005

The Virginia Creeper Engine

The Virginia Creeper Trail is now well-known for its beautiful scenery and enjoyable hiking and biking opportunities. In fact, this popular trail draws thousands of visitors to the Abingdon and Damascus, Virginia areas each year. But most people from outside the local area are unaware of the Creeper Trail's prior life as a railroad bed: the Virginia Creeper Line. The Virginia Creeper Line ran from Abingdon, Virginia through Damascus, and on up to Whitetop Station near the North Carolina border. For over 75 years this relatively short but much-used rail line served as the primary method of transportation for the area's passengers, iron ore, lumber, and all types of supplies. The legendary Virginia Creeper Train got its name from the way the locomotives would struggle to pull their heavy loads up the steep inclines between Damascus and Whitetop Station. In all the years following the Great Depression, the Virginia Creeper Line was never able to return to profitability. On March 31, 1977 the Virginia Creeper Train made its last run and her familiar whistle was silenced forever. Today's picture features the Virginia Creeper Engine "Mollie" (designated Engine #433), one of only two remaining "Class M" locomotives that were manufactured by Richmond, Virginia's American Locomotive Company. This historic engine is now on permanent display at the Virginia Creeper Trailhead in Abingdon.   Picture Of The Day Homepage | Submit a photo Interesting Articles