Downtown in Roanoke, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
MISSING
SEE LOCATION SECTION
First Train to Big Lick
Photographed By Kevin W., December 28, 2008
1. First Train to Big Lick Marker
Inscription.
First Train to Big Lick. . Nearby, on Nov. 1, 1852, the first Virginia and Tennessee Railroad train arrived in Big Lick (now Roanoke), three years after the company had been incorporated. The track from Lynchburg, Virginia to Bristol, Tennessee, was completed in 1856. In 1870, the railroad combined with the Southside and the Norfolk and Petersburg railroads to form the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad, which became the Norfolk and Western Railroad in 1881. During the 1880s, Roanoke became a rail center. Numerous railroad facilities were located here, including locomotive and rail car manufacturing plants, roundhouses, a large freight yard, a passenger station and the headquarters of Norfolk and Western (1881-1982).
Nearby, on Nov. 1, 1852, the first Virginia & Tennessee Railroad train arrived in Big Lick (now Roanoke), three years after the company had been incorporated. The track from Lynchburg, Virginia to Bristol, Tennessee, was completed in 1856. In 1870, the railroad combined with the Southside and the Norfolk & Petersburg railroads to form the Atlantic, Mississippi & Ohio Railroad, which became the Norfolk & Western Railroad in 1881. During the 1880s, Roanoke became a rail center. Numerous railroad facilities were located here, including locomotive and rail car manufacturing plants, roundhouses, a large freight yard, a passenger station and the headquarters of Norfolk & Western (1881-1982).
Erected by Norfolk Southern Roanoke Employees.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1882.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 37° 16.39′ N, 79° 56.472′ W. Marker was in Roanoke, Virginia. It was in Downtown. Marker was on Norfolk Avenue SE west of S. Jefferson Street. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Roanoke VA 24011, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Additional commentary. 1. This Marker is No Longer Here There is now a Amtrak platform here.
— Submitted June 15, 2023, by Clifton Wilson of Roanoke City, Virginia.
Photographed By Kevin W., December 28, 2008
2. First Train to Big Lick Marker
The former Norfolk and Western General Office Building is in the background. The marker is just to the left of the second bollard from the left.
Photographed By Kevin W., December 28, 2008
3. First Train to Big Lick Marker
It is hard to see, to the right of the flatcar.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2009, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,094 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 12, 2009, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
