Thurmond, WV - Train Video

During our visit a CSX coal train passed through. There are several coal trains a day and AMTRAK comes through three times a week.

Thurmond, WV - Coaling Station

The coaling station provided a source of fuel for the steam locomotives operating along the C & O railroad. It was built in 1922 and could hold 500 tons of coal. In addition to coal, sand was also dispensed, which was used to give additional traction to locomotives on sometimes slippery rails.

For anyone interested in more details, click and enlarge the following scale drawings from the National Park Service.

Thurmond, WV - Railroad Bridge

The bridge was completed in 1915 and replaced an earlier bridge that was washed away by a major flood.

Thurmond, WV - Old Buildings

A few of the old commercial buildings have survived fires and abandonment and are now being preserved by the National Park Service.



Mankin-Cox Building
built in 1906











Bank of Thurmond
built in 1917

Thurmond, West Virginia

Visiting Thurmond is like taking a step back in time to an era of coal mining and steam trains. All around there are silent reminders of this once flourishing town.
Thurmond was the chief railroad center for the Chesapeake & Ohio railroad but the Great Depression and the change from steam to diesel locomotives were too much to overcome.

Listen to Noah Adam's sound tour of Thurmond on NPR.

The National Park Service operates a visitor center in the restored Depot. Historic furnishings and exhibits enable visitors to relate to this time in history.

New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia

The second longest single steel-arch bridge in the world with a length of 3,030 feet. Best known for the annual 'Bridge Day,' held every year on the third Saturday of October. This is the only day that pedestrians are allowed on the bridge. A few brave souls parachute off the bridge.

The bridge is 876 feet above the scenic New River which is a favorite of white water rafters.

Grasshopper

Bucolic

Owens family farm - Jeffersonville, Ohio

Butterflies in Ohio

Flower garden on the Owens family farm - Jeffersonville, Ohio

Red Water Hydrants

Freezeless water hydrants are a necessity on farms.

Owens family farm - Jeffersonville, Ohio