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Gassaway
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Dundon
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Ansted
Gauley Bridge
Glen Jean
Mt. Hope
Thurmond |
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Alum Creek
Branchland
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Logan
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Davy
Iaeger
Kimball
Roderick
Twin Branch
War
Welch
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Historic Matewan
Williamson
Dingess
Red Jacket
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Itmann
Mullens
Oceana
Sabine
Wyco
Wyoming
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HISTORY
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| Thurmond – C&O Mainline and Thurmond Depot |
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In 1873, Thurmond, West Virginia was born when Captain W.D. Thurmond purchased seventy-three acres alongside the newly completed Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad’s mainline. The town boomed when, in 1889, the C&O built a four-track yard, passenger and freight depots, a turntable, water towers, and an engine house at Thurmond. The original depot housed the signal tower and offices, while the lower level served travelers coming and going through Thurmond. The ticket agent office, baggage room, waiting rooms, restrooms, snack bar, and news room were at track level. In 1904, the depot was destroyed by fire and was replaced by the existing structure (see photo to left).
By 1910, with the rapidly expanding coal and timber industries in the New River Gorge, Thurmond had become a hub of activity on the C&O Mainline, leading the nation in revenue receipts and freight tonnage.
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| The Great Depression, followed by two significant fires, the declining output of the coal fields, and the C&O line’s transition from coal to diesel fuel led to Thurman’s eventual decline. In 1958, the last steam locomotive operating in the New River Gorge was retired, and in 1984, the railroad offices housed in the depot were closed. In 1995, Thurmond’s depot purchased by the National Park Service and restored for use as a visitor center. It is still a flag stop for Amtrak passenger trains. |
| History of the Thurmond Depot
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Thurmond Depot (click here)
The depot has been restored and now serves as a National Park Visitor Center and as a station for Amtrak. Exhibits and historic furnishings bring the golden days of railroading back to life.
For more information on the depot and Amtrak schedule, visit the NPS website at: http://www.nps.gov/archive/neri/tdvc.htm
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| More Photos - Railroad/Thurmond. |
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Directions:
To reach Thurmond, take U.S. Route 19 to the Glen Jean exit, north of Beckley. Follow the signs to Thurmond, seven miles down WV Route 25 (Route 25 is a narrow, winding road and is not recommended for RVs and trailers). No automotive services are available in Thurmond.
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