South Branch Valley Railroad facts for kids
SBVR #6240, an EMD GP9
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| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Moorefield, West Virginia |
| Reporting mark | SBVR |
| Locale | West Virginia |
| Dates of operation | 1978– |
| Predecessor | Baltimore and Ohio Railroad |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Length | 52.4 miles (84.3 km) |
The South Branch Valley Railroad (SBVR) is a special train line in West Virginia. It's about 52.4 miles (84.33 km) long. This railroad runs north along the South Branch Potomac River. It goes from Petersburg all the way to Green Spring. At Green Spring, it connects with a bigger train line called CSXT. This connection helps trains go to Cumberland, Maryland, and Martinsburg, West Virginia.
The West Virginia State Rail Authority (SRA) has owned and run the SBVR since October 11, 1978. They bought it from the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. When West Virginia bought this line, it became the first state in the United States to own and operate a train line for carrying goods. In 1985, a huge flood hit the South Branch Valley. It destroyed most of the train tracks and all three bridges over the South Branch Potomac River. Even though some thought about closing the railroad, rebuilding started two years later. The West Virginia State Rail Authority has its main office in Moorefield. The SBVR also hosts the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, which is a fun train ride for tourists.
Contents
History of the Railroad
The idea for a train line in the South Branch Valley started a long time ago. People wanted to connect this area to bigger train lines.
Early Ideas for a Railroad
Back in 1875, a group of business people formed the West Virginia Railroad Company. They wanted to build a train line across West Virginia. Their goal was to connect the western part of the state to the Eastern Panhandle. This would make it easier to reach the East Coast. But this company didn't succeed.
Soon after, another group formed the Cumberland, Moorefield and Petersburg Railroad Company. They planned to build a line from Petersburg to Green Spring. This would connect the South Branch Valley to the main Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) line. This company also faced challenges and couldn't build the railroad.
Building the First Sections
The train line finally started to become real on September 1, 1884. The South Branch Railroad Company finished the section from Romney to Green Spring. This group of local business people, including Alexander W. Monroe, really wanted to connect Romney. Romney was an important town along a major road called the Northwestern Turnpike (now US 50). The company planned to extend the line south to Petersburg, but it took many more years.
In 1909, the Hampshire Southern Railroad Company began building south from Romney. This company was led by William B. Cornwell. They built tracks across the Valley View farm and over the South Branch River. By 1910, trains were running between Romney and Moorefield. This section of the line was completed all the way to Green Spring. After finishing the line to Moorefield, Hampshire Southern sold it to the Moorefield and Virginia Railroad Company in 1911.
Completing the Line
After the Moorefield and Virginia Railroad Company bought the line, they finished the last part. This connected Moorefield to Petersburg. Now, the entire length of the railroad in the South Branch Valley was complete. After a short time, the Moorefield and Virginia Company transferred the line to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company.
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Era
Under the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, the line became known as the South Branch line of the B&O. At first, many people used the train for travel. Students from nearby towns used it to get to high school in Romney. People from Petersburg and Moorefield found it a fast way to reach Cumberland and Martinsburg.
However, in the 1930s, the B&O stopped offering passenger service. They focused only on carrying goods (freight). In the 1970s, the B&O decided to stop using the line completely. The state of West Virginia was worried about the local businesses and economy. So, the state decided to buy the line.
The South Branch Valley Railroad Today
The West Virginia State Rail Authority (SRA) bought the line from the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad on October 11, 1978. This made West Virginia the first state in the United States to own and run a train line for commercial freight.
The state's ownership almost ended because of a huge flood in 1985. This flood destroyed most of the train tracks. It also washed away all three bridges that crossed the South Branch Potomac River. Even though some people thought about closing the railroad for good, rebuilding started in 1987. By 1989, the repairs were finished. Train service was back for all the communities along the line.
The rebuilding of the railroad also brought something new and exciting. In 1991, the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad started running. This special train takes tourists on a beautiful trip from Romney to Moorefield. Passengers ride through a famous area called The Trough. Along the way, they see old farms and historic places. In The Trough, passengers can often spot bald eagles nesting. That's why the train is called the "Eagle"!
Communities Serviced
Here are the towns and communities that the South Branch Valley Railroad serves. They are listed from the southern end to the northern end of the line.
Grant County, West Virginia
Hardy County, West Virginia
- Durgon
- Taylor
- Moorefield
- Cunningham
- Mapleton
- McNeill
- Sycamore
Hampshire County, West Virginia
