Vienna in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Hunter Station
Circa 1900
This station was called a flag stop—a passenger would step out and flag down the train to catch a ride.
The railroad was owned by the Southern Railway at this time and was operated as a steam railroad. Wires were installed in 1912 when the line became the W & OD Railway and was electrified.
The camera that took this photo was pointed west with what is now Hunter Mill Road behind the shelter.
The white piece of equipment on the far side of the road is a mail crane, which let the stationmaster hoist up a mailbag to where it could be snatched up as the trained passed.
Erected by Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the NOVA Parks, and the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 55.958′ N, 77° 18.289′ W. Marker was in Vienna, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker was on Hunter Mill Road (County Route 674), on the right when traveling north. The marker is approximately 20 feet from the road along the W&OD Trail. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Vienna VA 22182, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this location, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Hunter Station (here, next to this marker); Hunter’s Mill (here, next to this marker); Strategic Junction (here, next to this marker); Crossroads to War (a few steps from this marker); Cartersville Baptist Church (approx. 0.8 miles away); Terror by the Tracks (approx. one mile away); Walking in the Footsteps of History (approx. one mile away); The Purpose of the Korean Bell Garden (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vienna.
More about this marker. Marker displays a 1900s era picture of Hunter Station.
Also see . . .
1. Washington & Old Dominion Railroad. Wikipedia article. (Submitted on July 30, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Friends of the W&OD Trail. General background on the trail and history. (Submitted on July 30, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
3. The Washington and Old Dominion Railroad. Book by Ames Williams available on Amazon.com (Submitted on May 7, 2008, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland.)
4. Rails to the Blue Ridge: The Washington and Old Dominion Railroad, 1847 - 1968. Book by Herbert Harwood available on Amazon.com (Submitted on May 7, 2008, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,531 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.