Near Leesylvania in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

A Railroad Runs Through It

Photographed by Kevin W., February 8, 2008

1. A Railroad Runs Through It Marker

Inscription. The railway line that lies between Neabsco and Powells Creek was completed in 1872 by the Alexandria and Fredericksburg Railroad. This was no easy taks considering the steep terrain, which required numerous deep cuts and fills to maintain a gentle grade along the line. Over the years, this resulted in several landslides and train derailments. The first year of its operation, the Alexandria Gazette reported one such event, “Owing to the washing of the A&F Railroad, the passenger and baggage car of the train due here yesterday evening from Quantico ran off the track in a deep cut at Freestone Point. A repair train was sent down immediately and the track is now in good order again.” An incident that occurred at about the same time recalls an attempt to stabilize tracks along a slide. A temporary timber trestle was constructed and secured to trees further up the hill. Delayed by the incident on the way to Fredericksburg, P.T. Barnum, along with his circus, commented that he had been all over the United States, but this was the first railroad he had ever seen tied to a tree.

Erected by Leesylvania State Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.

Location. 38° 35.658′ N, 77°

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15.386′ W. Marker is near Leesylvania, Virginia, in Prince William County. It can be reached from Neabsco Beach Way. Marker is along an historical hiking trail within Leesylvania State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Woodbridge VA 22191, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the Piedmont.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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 walking distance of this marker: The Lee Family Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lee and Fairfax Family Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Mill Wheel (approx. 0.4 miles away); Pollution Solution (approx. half a mile away); The Freestone Point Hunt Club (approx. half a mile away); "Light Horse Harry" Lee (approx. half a mile away); Swimming in Bounty (approx. half a mile away); “Pleasureland of the East” (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesylvania.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Freestone Point Earthworks (was approx. half a mile away but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. On the right side of the marker, an aerial map shows the curves of the original track compared to the lines today.”

Photographed by Kevin W., February 8, 2008

2. A Railroad Runs Through It Marker

The cut is to the right of the marker.

The Cut; View Looking North from the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., February 8, 2008

3. The Cut; View Looking North from the Marker

The Cut; View is Looking South toward the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., February 8, 2008

4. The Cut; View is Looking South toward the Marker

Note, the marker is not visible. IT is on the hill to the left of the cut.

The Railroad Bed as it turns upstream at Neabsco Creek image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., February 8, 2008

5. The Railroad Bed as it turns upstream at Neabsco Creek

Credits. This page was last revised on October 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,228 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on October 3, 2023, by N. Jozsa of Woodbridge, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 9, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.