Near Rawl in Mingo County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

The Ohio Extension

By J. J. Prats, July 23, 2021

1. The Ohio Extension Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Near this spot, the two sections of the greatest construction project undertaken by the Norfolk & Western RR were joined on Sept. 22, 1892. Starting from Kenova and Elkhorn two years earlier, its completion took 5,000 men and changed the line's character from that of a southern agrarian road into a major Atlantic-Midwest trunk route and mighty “Pocahontas Coal Carrier.” Known since 1982 as Norfolk Southern.

Erected 1992 by the N&W Historical Society and the West Virginia Department of Culture and History. Dedicated June 19, 1992.

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 date for this entry is September 22, 1892.

Location. 37° 39.009′ N, 82° 13.381′ W. Marker is near Rawl, West Virginia, in Mingo County. Marker is at the intersection of West Virginia Route 49 and Happy Hill Road, on the right when traveling south on State Route 49. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rawl WV 25691, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Baby’s Grave Site (approx. 1.4 miles away in Kentucky); Sally McCoy / Grave of Sally McCoy

By J. J. Prats, July 23, 2021

2. The Ohio Extension Marker

Click or scan to see
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(approx. 1.4 miles away in Kentucky); a different marker also named Baby’s Grave Site (approx. 1.4 miles away in Kentucky); Site of Randolph McCoy House (approx. 3.3 miles away in Kentucky); McCoy Well (approx. 3.3 miles away in Kentucky); Randal McCoy's Well (approx. 3.3 miles away in Kentucky); The Real McCoy Homestead Uncovered (approx. 3.3 miles away in Kentucky); Williamson Historic District (approx. 3.3 miles away).

Also see . . . The Building of the Norfolk and Western Railroad in West Virginia. Excerpt:

This was rugged territory, and law enforcement was almost nonexistent. When the railroad began construction, different ethnic groups often clashed resulting in several deaths. By September 1892 when the track opened, the Ohio Extension had cost $8 million, almost bankrupting the N&W. However, the railroad brought a new era to the region. Villages sprang up, centered around the railroad station, and towns like Kenova, Naugatuck, Welch and Williamson took hold and still exist. When Kimball realized he had made a mistake in choosing the original path along Twelvepole Creek, the N&W built the Big Sandy Line, which follows the western border of West Virginia along the Big Sandy River.

(Submitted on July 31, 2021.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 60 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 31, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.

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