There was a time when the railroad was one of the most important aspects of travel and trade in Virginia. Countless towns throughout the state served as hubs for cargo and passengers alike. With the decline of the railroad over the past 50 years, many rail lines and services no longer exist. However, the ones that do continue to offer an excellent source of transportation, whether to sight see, relive some history or to simply get where you need to go.
Thanks to the many talented photographers who captured these images, the following 14 examples of trains in Virginia show the diversity of rail travel - from historic restorations to modern commuter trains. All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the ride...
1. Norfolk & Western Steam Engine No. 611 - Manassas, Lynchburg and Roanoke to Petersburg.
The No. 611 was one of 14 'Class J' Norfolk & Western passenger trains built between 1941 and 1950. This old-school beauty has been restored and starting running day trip excursions in 2015. Learn more here.
2. A passenger train makes it way through the night just outside of Washington, D.C.
Rolling through sleeping towns and quiet countryside on a train…there's something so peaceful about this image.
3. What better way to see the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains than by train?
This photo shows the Amtrak 192 as it pulls "The Cardinal" over Afton Mountain.
4. An Amtrak passenger train crosses the Rappahannock in Fredericksburg.
Comfy seats, plenty of leg room and this view? Not a bad way to travel.
5. This scene at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke shows an engineer looking out over the rail yard from the caboose of his train.
This beautiful capture brings back the glory days of the railroad.
6. A nostalgic scene in Clifton Forge shows passengers waiting for a Chesapeake & Ohio train.
This re-enactment was part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society's 2011 "Steam Under the Stars" event.
7. The James River Rambler takes passengers on vintage diesel train rides through Central Virginia.
The Old Dominion Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society offers vintage diesel train rides leaving from Dilwyn and traveling through the hills of Central Virginia. Find out about excursions at The Old Dominion Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.
8. The CSX 618 in the early morning at the Buckingham Branch line in Charlottesville.
Although this isn't a passenger train, it certainly makes a grand entrance. It's all too easy to imagine the view as the train conductor.
9. Engine No. 2732: A restored Chesapeake & Ohio Kanawha locomotive on display at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond in 2014.
You may not be able to ride the rails on this train, but it's a beautiful part of history all the same.
10. An Amtrak train makes a stop at the historic Ashland Train Station.
Set on a cobblestoned median in the town's Center Street, the Ashland train station is a popular spot for train watchers and riders alike. The historic station also serves as the Ashland Visitor's Center and houses a museum of artifacts, historical articles and a an old bench that was once on display at the Smithsonian. I can't think of a better place to catch a train to..well, just about anywhere. Visit the Town of Ashland to learn more.
11. The Tide pulls into MacArthur Square Station in Norfolk.
In contrast to historic trains, modern commuter trains lack the romance of old-fashioned rail travel. But they are still a great way to avoid traffic and get where you're going in a hurry.
12. Train in motion at the King Street station in Alexandria.
This motion-filled photo perfectly captures the excitement of waiting for the train.
13. Waiting to board the evening train out of Newport News.
We may not take trains as often as we used to, but I, for one, am glad they still exist.
14. Vintage excursion train through Montpelier.
While the Southern Railway ceased to exist in 1990 when it was absorbed by the Norfolk Southern Corporation, this photo of a Southern Railway excursion train from 1982 brings back the not-so-distant days when railroad travel was a common thing.
If you love train travel, look into Virginia by Rail from Amtrak. The service offers single-ticket service starting in Manassas (Prince William County) and ending in Norfolk. Along the way, you’ll make stops in Fredericksburg and Richmond, with ample time to get out and explore incredible sites. Learn more at Amtrak Virginia.
We would love to hear about your thoughts and memories of trains. Be sure to make a comment in the section below!
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