short line railroads Archives - Appalachian History

This train never derailed more than once a trip

Even hardened historians grow weepy when confronted with the hard luck story of Smoky Mountain Railroad—a fit subject for Voltaire’s Candide.

A northbound freight comes into Clayton in November of 1946. This trestle was just east of the Clayton to Tiger road on the southern outskirts of town.

August 31, 2018 Georgia / Railroad industry

The Tallulah Falls Railway

Perhaps the most distinguishing single characteristic of the Tallulah Falls Railroad was its fascinating variety of trademark trestles.

Carolina, Knoxville and Western stock certificate

July 18, 2017 Railroad industry / South Carolina

The Swamp Rabbit engineer had to back up a mile to retrieve a lost cow-catcher

The “Swamp Rabbit,” true to its name, did not mind inequalities in its pathway, so the track went up and down, following the lay of the land.

May 26, 2017 Ohio / Railroad industry

Final run of the Bellaire, Zanesville, and Cincinnati Railway

On the long grades, when the ‘Bent, Zig-zag and Crooked’ was heavily loaded, passengers sometimes got off and walked along side, even pushed on some occasions.

March 20, 2014 Maryland / Museums / Railroad industry

Western Maryland Railway Business Car 204 to return home to the rails

Western Maryland Railway Business Car 204, built by Pullman in 1918, will return home to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Cumberland.

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