The Norfolk and Western Railway (reporting mark NW), [1] commonly called the N&W, was a US class I railroad, formed by more than 200 railroad mergers between 1838 and 1982. It was headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia, for most of its existence.

Nov 5, 2024 · The Norfolk and Western’s merger with the Southern in 1982 was fitting for two railroads which spent most of the 20th century as efficient, profitable operations. From a history tracing back to the 1830s the N&W did not blossom into …

The Norfolk and Western was the 3rd railroad to span the central Appalachian Mountains, reaching the Ohio River in 1892, about 4 years after the Chesapeake & Ohio. Both railroads followed the Ohio River to Cincinnati OH.

The Norfolk & Western Railway was a unique operation of modest proportions that achieved recognition beyond contemporary railroads of similar size. In actuality, Norfolk & Western had two differing styles.

Jan 3, 2022 · Norfolk & Western Railway history has two distinct phases. Before 1964, it was a coal hauler controlled by the Pennsylvania Railroad. It even looked like the Pennsy in places: Tuscan Red coaches, position-light signals, and a short …

Shenandoah Valley Railroad completes track from Basic City to Roanoke, VA and connects with Norfolk & Western Railroad. Norfolk & Western Railroad completes New River Division to Bluefield, WV and on May 21 begins operation of regular traffic on this extension. On March 12 the first car of Pocahontas coal is loaded at Pocahontas, VA.

For many years the N&W Railway’s mainline ran from Norfolk VA to Cincinnati OH. In later years the Nickel Plate and Wabash Railroads were purchased and consolidated by the N&W. The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the history and operation of the Appalachian Railroads.

Explore the rise of the Norfolk and Western Railway, its innovative steam engines, and its lasting impact on Roanoke and Southwest Virginia. From its role as a major employer to its transformation during the diesel era, the N&W's story remains a captivating chapter in 20th-century railroading.

The Norfolk and Western Railroad was created in 1881, when Philadelphia-based investors were finally able to acquire the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad after five years of bankruptcy. The railroad merged with the Shenandoah Valley Railroad, also financed by Pennsylvania investors, and was named Norfolk and Western Railroad.

Jan 16, 2025 · Norfolk and Western Railway Company, former American railroad that originated as an eight-mile single-track line in 1838 to connect Petersburg and City Point (now Hopewell), Virginia. In 1870 the City Point Rail Road and others were consolidated as the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad.