Sterling in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Rails to Dulles Airport
The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
— Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority —
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 26, 2009
1. Rails to Dulles Airport Marker
In 1958 the federal government began construction of a new international airport near Chantilly, Virginia. The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, whose freight business had been on the decline, enjoyed a resurgence of activity. Cement, stone, and other materials arrived from local quarries by rail to this spot and were trucked to the airport site a few miles south of here.
Dulles International Airport opened 1962. The W&OD limped along for another six years, while a boom in road construction edged out small railroad lines here and throughout the nation. The W&OD ceased operations altogether in August 1968.
Erected by Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • 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 1958.
Location. 39° 0.949′ N, 77° 26.427′ W. Marker is in Sterling, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sterling Station (approx. 0.9 miles away); Norman's Station (approx. 1.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.3 miles away); Vestal's Gap Road II (approx. 1.3 miles away); Vestal's Gap Road IV (approx. 1.3 miles away); Vestal's Gap Road I (approx. 1.3 miles away); Vestal's Gap Road III (approx. 1.3 miles away); This is W&OD Trail: Smith Switch! (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sterling.
More about this marker. The background of the marker shows a Siding along W&OD for airport construction, 1959. An inset photo shows Dulles airport under construction early 1960s with a helicopter lowering part of the control tower.
Also see . . .
1. A History of Dulles International Airport. From the Washington Airports Authority. (Submitted on June 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Dulles Airport Has Its Roots in Rural Black Community of Willard
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 21, 2023
2. Rails to Dulles Airport Marker
Unfortunately, the marker has weathered significantly.
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 26, 2009
3. Marker along the W&OD Trail
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 26, 2009
4. Area of the Siding Today
Likely looking from the opposite direction of the photo on the marker. The siding was probably on the south side (right of the photo) of the railroad (now the paved path).
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,054 times since then and 116 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on January 21, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on June 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
