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.
Marker is in Manassas, Virginia. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wartime Manassas (a few steps from this marker); The Town Is Born (a few steps from this marker); A Railroad Town (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Wartime Manassas (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson's Raid (within shouting distance of this marker); Loy E. Harris (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Manassas Junction (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Wartime Manassas (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.
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.)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 30, 2019
2. Route of the "Old 97" Marker
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 601 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 30, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
