Saltville in Smyth County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Mathieson Alkali Works Steam Locomotive No. 11
Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024
1. Mathieson Alkali Works Steam Locomotive No. 11 Marker
No. 11 was originally Norfolk and Western Railroad No. 305, built in Roanoke in June of 1892, construction No. 137, at the Roanoke Machine Works in Roanoke, Virginia. These shops were later purchased by the Norfolk and Western Railroad. The No. 305 served in the N&W until larger locomotives arrived and the No. 305 was deemed surplus. On November 11, 1920 the No. 305 was leased to the Chesapeake Western railroad in northern Virginia. On June 31, 1921, No. 305 was returned to the N&W. On January 1922 the No. 305 was sold to the Mathieson Alkali works in Saltville, VA. for the sum of $20,000.00. Weight including tender is 112 tons. M.A.W. shop forces re-built the No. 305's tender with a larger coal compartment and re-lettered the tender to read Mathieson Chemical Corporation
The locomotive received a fresh coat of paint, with yellow striping and was re-numbered No. 11.
The locomotive was retired from active service by Olin Mathieson in 1961 and donated to the town of Saltville. This makes the No. 11 the oldest surviving Norfolk and Western steam locomotive as well as the only surviving locomotive from the original Roanoke Machine Shops.
Erected by
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1892.
Location. 36° 52.751′ N, 81° 45.909′ W. Marker is in Saltville, Virginia, in Smyth County. It can be reached from Palmer Avenue west of Panther Lane, on the right when traveling west. The marker is mounted in front of the public restrooms south of the post office, near the locomotive shed. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 Palmer Ave, Saltville VA 24370, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Virginia and in the Blue Ridge Highlands. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Saltville WWI Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. General Stoneman's Raid (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Saltville Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saltville (approx. 0.2 miles away); History of Saltville Valley (approx. Ύ mile away); Smyth County/Washington County (approx. one mile away); Saltville Defenses (approx. one mile away); Battle at Cedar Branch (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saltville.
Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024
2. Wide view of No. 11 Marker, between the men and women's restrooms. Locomotive is to the left
Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024
3. Locomotive No. 11 Marker (on the right) and front of the locomotive
Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024
4. Wide view of Locomotive No. 11
Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024
5. Rebuilt coal tender with Mathieson Chemical Corporation, as referenced in marker
Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024
6. Front view closeup of Mathieson Alkali Works Steam Locomotive No. 11
Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 366 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 7, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
