Marion in Smyth County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Marion & Rye Valley Railroad

1891 - 1932

— Marion History Walk —

Marion & Rye Valley Railroad Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 22, 2022

1. Marion & Rye Valley Railroad Marker

Inscription. The rail lines moved logs from the forest to the sawmill, providing a vital lick to one of our first industries. In 1928 a tourism effort labeled the line as the “Switchback Scenic Route” and tourists paid 25 cents to ride to the top of Pine Mountain for a view across southwest Virginia's Appalachian Mountains.

Erected by Marion Main Street.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 36° 50.026′ N, 81° 31.053′ W. Marker is in Marion, Virginia, in Smyth County. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 11) and Broad Street, on the right when traveling east on East Main Street. Marker is on the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 218 E Main St, Marion VA 24354, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Annabel Morris Buchanan (a few steps from this marker); R.T. Greer & Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Nolan Ryan and the Marion Mets (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor David Campbell (within shouting distance of this marker); Hungry Mother State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Marion College

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(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Home of Mountain Dew (about 300 feet away); The Lincoln Theatre (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marion.

Also see . . . Marion and Rye Valley Railway. Wikipedia entry on the railroad, which ran between Marion and Sugar Grove, Virginia. (Submitted on November 9, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 22, 2022

2. Marion & Rye Valley Railroad Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 8, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.