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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Ashburn in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
 

Norman's Station

 
 
Norman's Station Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 25, 2009
1. Norman's Station Marker
Inscription.
The shelter or "waiting shed" in the photograph below stood across the road from where you are now located. Crossing the track was Norman's Station Road (now called Smith's Switch Road).

These three-sided shelters were typical of many small stops along the line. There was a station or shelter about every three miles along the W&OD.

The nickname "Virginia Creeper" describes the leisurely pace of the railroad - and underscored the contrast with the vision of its founders who wanted to rival the great eastern trunk lines. The speed of the W&OD trains averaged 40 to 45 miles per hour, but there were many stops along the way. Crewmen often had to jump on and off cars to stop traffic with flags or lanterns at road crossings while trains still moving. And, despite regulations, conductors often made unscheduled stops for regular riders.
 
Erected by The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park - Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the NOVA Parks, and the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad series lists.
 
Location. 39° 1.608′ N, 77° 27.525′ 
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W. Marker is in Ashburn, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker is on Smith Switch Road (County Route 607), on the right when traveling north. The marker is approximately 30 feet from the road along the W&OD Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ashburn VA 20147, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. This is W&OD Trail: Smith Switch! (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tracks Into History (about 500 feet away); Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (about 600 feet away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Rails to Dulles Airport (approx. 1.2 miles away); The Barn (approx. 1.6 miles away); Ashburn Station (approx. 1.9 miles away); Vestal's Gap Road IV (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ashburn.
 
More about this marker. The background of the marker is a photo of the waiting shed described in the marker text, circa 1920. On the upper right are facsimiles of W&OD schedules and tickets, dating from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.
 
Marker along the W&OD Trail image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 25, 2009
2. Marker along the W&OD Trail
Location of Norman's Station Waiting Shed image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 25, 2009
3. Location of Norman's Station Waiting Shed
Looking across the road at the western side of the railroad crossing.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,001 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on June 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.

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Mar. 19, 2024