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
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.
Erected by City of Martinsville Department of Parks & Recreation, Henry County Parks & Recreation, Dan
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.
Location. 36° 41.3′ N, 79° 51.059′ W. Marker is in Martinsville, Virginia. It can be reached from the intersection of Fisher Street and Fishel Street, on the left when traveling east. Access the trail from the Fisher St parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 815 Fisher St, Martinsville VA 24112, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Dry Bridge School (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, September 8, 2022
2. The Dick & Willie Passage Marker
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
3. The Dick & Willie Passage Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2022, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 198 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 9, 2022, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
