Manassas, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Route of the "Old 97"
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 30, 2019
1. Route of the "Old 97" Marker
Inscription.
Route of the "Old 97". . On of the railroad traditions of Manassas was that it was on the route of Southern Railway's Fast Mail train No. 97. The "Fast Mails" were a 19th century creation of the railroads and the U.S. Post Office Department to expedite long distance mail delivery. No. 97 operated from Washington, D.C. to Atlanta, Georgia and had priority over other passenger and freight traffic on the line. On September 27, 1903, a few hours after departing Manassas, Fast Mail 97 derailed in a fatal accident north of Danville, Virginia. Postal clerks Lewis W. Spies of Manassas and Daniel Flory of Nokesville were on-board the ill-fated train. Both died from the wreck while working to assure that "the mail must go through." In 1924, the song "The Wreck of the Old 97," recorded by Vernon Dalhart, memorialized this tragedy and became the first record to sell over a million copies.
On of the railroad traditions of Manassas was that it was on the route of Southern Railway's Fast Mail train No. 97. The "Fast Mails" were a 19th century creation of the railroads and the U.S. Post Office Department to expedite long distance mail delivery. No. 97 operated from Washington, D.C. to Atlanta, Georgia and had priority over other passenger and freight traffic on the line. On September 27, 1903, a few hours after departing Manassas, Fast Mail 97 derailed in a fatal accident north of Danville, Virginia. Postal clerks Lewis W. Spies of Manassas and Daniel Flory of Nokesville were on-board the ill-fated train. Both died from the wreck while working to assure that "the mail must go through." In 1924, the song "The Wreck of the Old 97," recorded by Vernon Dalhart, memorialized this tragedy and became the first record to sell over a million copies.
Erected 2016 by Manassas Museum System, City of Manassas.
and the Virginia, City of Manassas series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 27, 1903.
Location. 38° 45.018′ N, 77° 28.405′ W. Marker is in Manassas, Virginia. It is on West Street just south of Center Street (Virginia Route 28), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9417 West Street, Manassas VA 20110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wartime Manassas (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Town Is Born (a few steps from this marker); A Railroad Town (within
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 30, 2019
Other markers no longer nearby. The Town Is Born (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Jackson's Raid (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Wartime Manassas (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Site of Manassas Junction (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Vernon Dalhart - Wreck Of The Old '97 (1926). YouTube video of a recording of the song (Submitted on November 30, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,425 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 30, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
