Rocky Mount in Franklin County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Norfolk and Western Caboose
Class: C31P No: 518631
| | Built: January, 1970 | |
Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 27, 2013
1. Norfolk and Western Caboose Marker
One in a class of 200 built by International Railway Car Company, Kenton, Ohio between December, 1968 and February, 1970. The P denotes pool service and meant the caboose could travel any portion of the N & W System.
Before air brakes, the caboose was one of two braking units on the trainthe other was the engine. The caboose also was an office for the conductor who filled out numerous reports, a dormitory with a kitchen and toilet, and a supply area for the freight crew. The cupola provided a vantage point for the crew to spot possible trouble on the tracks or with the train.
Virginia was the last state to require a caboose at the end of a freight train. This law was repealed in 1988. Todays freight trains are tailed by a FRED (Flashing Rear End Device) weighing about 35 lbs.
Restoration Project by Franklin County Historical Society Inc. in cooperation with the Town of Rocky Mount. To make a tax deductible donation, send a check to: Franklin County Historical Society, P. O. Box 905, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.
We seek
A Fitting End for the Former End of a Train
Erected by Franklin County Historical Society Inc. in cooperation with the Town of Rocky Mount.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list:
this page online
Location. 37° 0.074′ N, 79° 53.523′ W. Marker is in Rocky Mount, Virginia, in Franklin County. It is on Franklin Street (Virginia Route 40) just west of North Main Street (Business U.S. 220). It is at the old train depot, now the Rocky Mount Community & Hospitality Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 55 Franklin Street, Rocky Mount VA 24151, 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 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Franklin County (here, next to this marker); United States Colored Troops Memorial (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carter Bank & Trust (approx. Ό mile away); Franklin County Confederate Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away); Rocky Mount (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Franklin County Court (approx. 0.8 miles away); Washington Iron Works (approx. 0.9 miles away); Carolina Road (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rocky Mount.
Regarding Norfolk and Western Caboose. The present railroad line through Rocky Mount was the 121 mile former Norfolk and Western branch line between Roanoke and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Three passenger traims a day in each direction once stopped at this station.
Also see . . .
Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 27, 2013
2. Norfolk and Western Caboose and Marker
Additional commentary.
1. About the marker
This profile was published before the guidelines were tightened to exclude paper behind glass. However, this profile remains published for posterity.
— Submitted April 27, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 25, 2026
3. Several markers on display outside of the Rocky Mount Community & Hospitality Center at the Depot
Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 27, 2013
4. Rocky Mount Railroad Depot
Caboose is out of frame on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 999 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 2, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on April 29, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on February 2, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
