Thurmond in Fayette County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Thurmond, West Virginia
New River Gorge National River
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
By Don Morfe, August 4, 2012
1. Thurmond, West Virginia Marker
Here in Thurmond you-can recall the vital role that railroads played in the growth and prosperity of America. For more than 80 years Thurmond’s railroads thrived. Amid the remnants of this once-bustling town, you can imagine the sounds of steam whistles and the clickety-clack of wheel on rail.
Stay off the tracks! The tracks are still active. If you walk into town, be alert for trains and cross the railroad tracks only at the road crossing.
[Captions:]
1. Water from the Water Column was poured into the tender behind the steam engine to produce the steam for power.
2. Engines took on sand at the Sanding Tower. To gain traction on slippery track, sand was dropped onto the track in front of the drive wheels.
3. The Engine House was used for servicing and repairing steam engines.
4. At the Coaling and Sanding Station, the steam engine’s tender was located with coal for fuel. Sand was stored here for later transfers to the sanding tower.
5. Commercial Row housed the many town businesses.
6. Water Tanks stored water pumped from the river.
7. The Railroad Commissary suppliedrailroad workers with all their needs, including meat, clothing, boots, shovels, and hardware. Charges were deducted from the worker’s pay.By Don Morfe, August 4, 20122. Thurmond Depot and Visitor Center
Ribbons of steel were — and still are — Thurmond’s main street. This postcard photo was taken around 1930.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 37° 57.438′ N, 81° 4.746′ W. Marker is in Thurmond, West Virginia, in Fayette County. Marker is on Thurmond Road. The marker is near the New River Gorge National River visitor center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 254 River Crest Rd, Thurmond WV 25936, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Thurmond, West Virginia (here, next to this marker); New River Gorge National River (a few steps from this marker); Thurmond Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); A Railroad Town (within shouting distance of this marker); Where It All Started (within shouting distance of this marker); The Heart of Town (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Railroad Was the Town
By Don Morfe, August 4, 2012
3. Inside the visitor center
By Don Morfe, August 4, 2012
4. Inside the visitor center
By Don Morfe, August 4, 2012
5. Inside the visitor center
By Don Morfe, December 27, 2007
6. New River Gorge Bridge
Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 214 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on January 14, 2021, by TeamOHE of Wauseon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 26, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
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