Mullens in Wyoming County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Virginian Railway Motor Barn
— Coal Heritage Trail —
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 15, 2019
1. Virginian Railway Motor Barn Marker
The Mullens electric locomotive maintenance shop built in 1925 for the Virginian Railway was known as the “Motor Barn.” The main work section was a 45 foot high brick building 200 feet by 75 feet with two overhead cranes and three service tracks for the repair of the large heavy “EL” class electric locomotives built by the Westinghouse Electric Comoany. An additional shop area was 25 foot high, 40 by 300 foot long which included the offices and locker rooms. Other structures were the store house, oil house, generator house, sand house and a 75 foot tall water tank holding 75,000 gallons for the fire hydrant supply. In addition to the three tracks going into the building there were five storage tracks and an outside track with an inspection pit. At one time, working 3 shifts, 7 days a week, it had 330 employees. The three unit electric locomotives hauled the coal and freight across the mountains from Mullens to Roanoke. After the purchase of diesel locomotives in 1954-1957 the premises were used for their repair and servicing also. After the electric locomotives were discontinued in 1983 and the servicing of the diesels
this page online
Erected 2001 by West Virginia Archives and History; Donated by Mullens Chamber of Commerce.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 37° 34.932′ N, 81° 22.815′ W. Marker is in Mullens, West Virginia, in Wyoming County. Marker is at the intersection of Moran Avenue (West Virginia Route 16) and 1st Street (West Virginia Route 16), on the left when traveling south on Moran Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mullens WV 25882, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Virginian Railway Station (here, next to this marker); Mullens (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Mullens (approx. half a mile away); Itmann Company Store (approx. half a mile away); Mullens Historic District (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Mullens (approx. half a mile away); The Virginian Arrives (approx. half a mile away); The Richest Little Railroad in the World (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mullens.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 15, 2019
2. Virginian Railway Station and Virginian Railway Motor Barn Markers
They are at the foot of First Street. The railroad tracks run left to right above the retaining wall.
Regarding Virginian Railway Motor Barn. The structure was demolished in 2011.
J.J. Prats postcard collection, circa 1935
3. Electric Locomotive Shops, Mullens, W.Va.
The red brick building is the Motor Barn. Linen postcard with divided back. Numbered on its face in the lower right: 17.772. On its back: “A Colourpicture Publication, Boston 15, Mass. U.S.A.”
Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 271 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 25, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on September 3, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
