Glen Allen in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad Company
There were many independent railroads which had agreements with the RF&P. In conjunction with these lines, RF&P provided continuous service from New York to Florida. Sleeper cars were available as early as 1867. An electric lighted steam-heated train was introduced in 1888.
The World War II era saw the biggest expansion of RF&P’s rail service because of military use at a series of training facilities along the route. In 1941, Fort Belvoir and the Marine Corp at Quantico expanded in size. In Caroline County, the Army purchased 80,000 acres for use as the A.P. Hill Military Reserve. The railroad also expanded to link the Naval Proving grounds at Dahlgren.
In the post war era, the rail had problems competing with the ever increasing popularity of the automobile and the expansion of the federally funded interstate highway system. Rail service was also reduced by the development of passenger service on jet aircraft. The loss of contracts with the federal government to carry mail eliminated a number of marginal profit-making carriers by the l960s.
Erected by County of Henrico.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 37° 40.599′ N, 77° 30.415′ W. Marker is in Glen Allen, Virginia, in Henrico County. Marker can be reached from RF&P Drive near Meadow Farm Drive. This marker is located in RF&P Park at Meadow Farm. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3600 Mountain Road, Glen Allen VA 23060, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. U.S. Railway Post Office Car (here, next to this marker); Steel Coach (here, next to this marker); Caboose (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Box Car (approx. 0.3 miles away); Meadow Farm (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Meadow Farm (approx. 0.6 miles away); Glen Allen Baptist Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); Mountain Road (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glen Allen.
Also see . . . Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad Historical Society, Inc. (Submitted on March 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,308 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.