Covington, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
C and O for Progress
⎯⎯⎯
Engine 701 - Track Facts
C and O for Progress Class G-5
Type 2-8-0
Service Mixed
Builder Alco
Boiler Pressure 205 lbs.
Year Built 1911
Richmond Va.
Cylinder H.P. 1951
Tractive Power 48,500 lbs.
Diameter of wheels Engine Truck 33"
Drivers 50"
Trailer
Tender 33"
Lengths of wheel bases Engine Truck single
Drivers 17' 3"
Trailer
Tender 18' 4"
Total Engine 21' 8"
Overall lengths Engine 40' 1 1/4"
Tender 27' 6 1/2"
Engine & Tender 67' 7 1/2"
Heating surfaces Total Heat Surface 3089 sq ft
Crate Area 55 sq ft
Weights in estimated values On Drivers 219,000 lbs.
On Engine Truck 25,000
On Trailing Truck
Total Engine 244,000
Total Coal Capy. 20,000
Tender Water Capy. 7,500 Gal.
Height of Engine 15' 2 7/8"
Height of Tender 12' 1"
Equipment Type "A" Superheater
Friction Journal Bearings
Hydrostatic Lubricator
Standard H.T. Stoker
Power Reverse
Baker Valve Gear
Friction Rod Bearings
Total miles 850,000
this page online
Last surviving locomotive of The Hocking Valley Railway. The Hocking Valley Railway was bought by C & O in 1930. 701 ran the Hot Springs Branch until her retirement in 1954. Originally dedicated to the City of Covington November 15, 1954. Cosmetic rehab and re-dedication May 21, 2015.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is May 21, 2015.
Location. 37° 47.368′ N, 79° 59.988′ W. Marker is in Covington, Virginia. It is on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 610 W Main St, Covington VA 24426, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Mountain Region, in the Shenandoah Valley, in Southwest Virginia, and in the Alleghany Highlands. It is
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 25, 2026
2. Engine 701 - Track Facts part of the marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Alleghany County Confederate Soldiers Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); Alleghany's Heroic Dead. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Alleghany's Heroic Dead (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Alleghany's Heroic Dead (approx. 0.3 miles away); Covington High School (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fort Young (approx. one mile away); Averells Salem Raid (approx. 2.2 miles away); Humpback Bridge (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Covington.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 27, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
