Martinsville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Dick & Willie Passage

— Smith River Trail System —

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, September 8, 2022

1. The Dick & Willie Passage Marker

Inscription. The Dick and Willie Trail is 4.5 miles in length and runs along a portion of the former Danville and Western Railroad track. Once part of the Norfolk Southern Railroad, the Danville and Western was affectionately nicknamed the "Dick and Willie." Locals who desired a modern way to connect the towns of Danville and Stuart raised the funds through the sale of "subscriptions" to construct the rail and completed the line to Stuart in 1884.

• Distances •
Virginia Ave to Liberty St...1.38 mi
Liberty St to Doyle St...1.48 mi
Doyle St to Fisher St...0.47 mi
Fisher St to Mulberry Creek Overlook...1.18 mi

Prior to the advent of railroads in the Dan River Valley, goods were primarily transported along the rivers in double-ended flat boats called batteaux. However by the late 19th century, the era of batteaux had ended and railroads opened an age of mass of transportation. Today, this portion of the Dick and Willie continues to connect communities and lives on as a multi-use trail enjoyed by walkers, joggers and cyclists.

(captions)
An early steam engine on the Dick and Willie
A trestle on the Dick and Willie
The Dick and Willie Trail is multi-use

Erected by City of Martinsville Department of Parks & Recreation, Henry County

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Parks & Recreation, Dan River Basin Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.

Location. 36° 41.488′ N, 79° 51.462′ W. Marker is in Martinsville, Virginia. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Doyle Street and Hooker Street, on the left when traveling west. Access the trail from the Doyle St parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 220 Doyle St2, Martinsville VA 24112, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Changing With Industry (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named The Dick & Willie Passage (approx. 0.4 miles away); Dry Bridge School (approx. half a mile away); DeShazo's "Silo" (approx. half a mile away); Traditions to Celebrate (approx. 0.7 miles away); Martinsville's Early Textile Mills (approx. 0.8 miles away); Henry County U.D.C. Monument (approx. 0.8 miles away); Martinsville (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Martinsville.

Also see . . .
1. Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail. Official Tourism Site for Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia (Submitted on September 9, 2022.)

2. Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail. TrailLink by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (Submitted on September 9, 2022.)

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, September 8, 2022

2. The Dick & Willie Passage Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2022, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 56 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 9, 2022, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.