Warrenton in Fauquier County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Turntable
Warrenton, VA - Circa 1939
During the late 1800s, the Orange and Alexandria Railroad built a locomotive turntable at this site. The turntable was the center of rail yard activity, enabling steam engines and their tenders to be reversed for the 8.9-mile return trip to Calverton.
As the railroad replaced steam locomotives in the 1950s with more efficient, multi-directional diesel locomotives, there was no longer a need to use a turntable. In 1954, the Warrenton turntable was dismantled and the circulation filled in.
It was not until the construction of the Warrenton Branch Greenway that the turntable's foundation was discovered and unearthed. Now for the first time in decades, this important part of Warrenton's railroad history is visible once again.
How the Turntable Was Used
1. Train arrives
2. Locomotive and tender are uncoupled from front of train and back onto turntable siding
3. Locomotive and tender are rotated on turntable
4. Locomotive and tender back out and move to rear of train to re-couple
5. Train backs into station
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Orange and Alexandria Railroad series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1954.
Location. 38°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Railroad Caboose (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Brentmoor: The Spilman-Mosby House (approx. ¼ mile away); Brentmoor (approx. ¼ mile away); The Fauquier Times-Democrat (approx. ¼ mile away); Hot Lead Line-O-Type (approx. 0.3 miles away); Norris Tavern / The Warren Green (approx. 0.3 miles away); John Marshall (approx. 0.3 miles away); Warrenton (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Warrenton.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 433 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 13, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
