Sharp's Tunnel is a notable feature along the Greenbrier River Trail in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Here are the key details about this tunnel:
1. Location: Sharp's Tunnel is located along the former Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Greenbrier Division, which has been converted into the Greenbrier River Trail[1][2].
2. Construction and history: The tunnel was completed in December 1900 as part of the Greenbrier Division's extension from Marlinton to Cass[1][2].
3. Length: Sharp's Tunnel is 511 feet (155.75 meters) long[1][2].
4. Usage: The tunnel was used by the railroad until 1978 when the line was abandoned[1].
5. Current status: After the railroad's abandonment, the former right-of-way, including Sharp's Tunnel, was reopened in 1994 as part of the multi-modal Greenbrier River Trail[1][2].
6. Unique features: Just south of the tunnel, there is a 230-foot curved bridge known as the Greenbrier River Bridge, which adds to the scenic value of this section of the trail[3].
7. Trail context: Sharp's Tunnel is one of two tunnels along the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail. The other tunnel is the 402-foot-long Droop Mountain Tunnel[3].
8. Historical significance: The tunnel represents an important piece of West Virginia's railroad history and has been successfully repurposed for recreational use, contributing to the trail's popularity among hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts[3].
Sharp's Tunnel is a highlight for many visitors to the Greenbrier River Trail, offering a unique experience as they pass through this historic railroad structure while enjoying the natural beauty of Pocahontas County.
Citations:
[1] http://bridgestunnels.com/2022/09/24/sharps-tunnel/
[2] http://bridgestunnels.com/location/sharps-tunnel/
[3] https://www.nrtapplication.org/trails/greenbrier-river-trail
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenbrier_River_Trail
[5] https://wvrailtrails.org/rail_trail/greenbrier-river-trail/
[6] https://wvstateparks.com/park/greenbrier-river-trail/greenbrierrivertrailstatepark_brochure_map/
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdWZnyXoJDg
[8] https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g59290-i22169975-Marlinton_Pocahontas_County_West_Virginia.html
-------------------------------------------
Sharps Tunnel was constructed as part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway's Greenbrier Division extension in 1900. Here are the key details about its history and construction:
1. Purpose: The tunnel was built as part of the C&O's effort to extend their Greenbrier Division line from Marlinton to Cass, West Virginia[1][2].
2. Construction timeline:
- Work on the Greenbrier Division extension north of Marlinton began in 1900[2].
- By November 6, 1900, tracks had been laid across a temporary bridge over the Greenbrier River at the newly completed Sharps Tunnel[2].
3. Completion: Sharps Tunnel was finished in December 1900[1].
4. Length: The tunnel is 511 feet (155.75 meters) long[1][2].
5. Route significance: The completion of Sharps Tunnel allowed the C&O to reach Cass by December 25, 1900[2]. This extension was crucial for serving the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company, which needed to transport pulpwood from Cass to its new paper mill in Covington[2].
6. Economic impact: The tunnel and the extended rail line facilitated the growth of the timber industry in the region. By 1902, over 40 small sawmills were operating along the Greenbrier Division[3].
7. Continued use: Sharps Tunnel remained in active use by the railroad until December 29, 1978, when the Greenbrier Division line was abandoned[1][3].
8. Modern repurposing: After the railroad's abandonment, the former right-of-way, including Sharps Tunnel, was reopened in 1994 as part of the multi-modal Greenbrier River Trail[1].
The construction of Sharps Tunnel played a vital role in the economic development of the region, particularly in the timber and paper industries, by enabling efficient transportation of resources and goods along the Greenbrier Division of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway.
Citations:
[1] http://bridgestunnels.com/2022/09/24/sharps-tunnel/
[2] http://bridgestunnels.com/location/sharps-tunnel/
[3] https://abandonedonline.net/location/chesapeake-ohio-railroad-greenbrier-division/
[4] http://industrialscenery.blogspot.com/2022/11/1900-19781994-511-sharps-tunnel-for.html
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenbrier_River_Trail
[6] https://www.contrary.com/foundations-and-frontiers/frontier-of-boring
[7] https://www.nrtapplication.org/trails/greenbrier-river-trail
[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumberland_Gap_Tunnel
----------------------------------------------
- Historical mile markers: The trail preserves remnants of the old railroad, including historical mile markers along its length
.
Whistle-stops: There are many whistle-stops from the former railroad era that can be seen along the trail
.
Restored depot buildings: The trail features restored depot buildings, which contribute to the historical atmosphere of the route
.
Old-fashioned water pumps: These are present along the trail, adding to its historical character
.
-----------------------
Based on the search results provided, there are several historical sites and attractions near the Greenbrier River Trail:
1. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Located at the northern end of the trail in Cass, this park features restored company buildings and offers rides on vintage locomotives, showcasing the area's logging history[1][2].
2. Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park: This park is the site of the last significant Civil War battle in West Virginia. It features a museum and hosts reenactments to bring the battle's history to life[2].
3. The Stone Manse: Just north of the southern endpoint in North Caldwell, about three-tenths of a mile north on Stone House Road, visitors can see this historic home built in 1796[5].
4. Marlinton: The largest town on the Greenbrier River Trail, Marlinton was the first colonial-era settlement in the Greenbrier Valley, established in 1749. It has an old train station that now serves as a trailside information center[3][5].
5. Clover Lick: This small Appalachian town features rustic remnants of the old railroad depot that once served the booming logging industry[3].
6. Lewisburg: Located about 3.5 miles west of the trail's southern endpoint, this town offers various historical attractions, shops, and restaurants[5].
7. Whistle-stops and mile markers: Along the trail, visitors can see remnants of the old railroad, including historical mile markers and whistle-stops, which provide a connection to the area's railroad history[3].
8. Tunnels and bridges: The trail features two historic tunnels - the 402-foot-long Droop Mountain Tunnel (built in 1900) and the 511-foot-long Sharps Tunnel (built in 1899). Additionally, there are 35 bridges along the trail, many of which are historic railroad bridges[3].
These sites offer visitors a rich historical context, showcasing the area's railroad, logging, and Civil War history, as well as early settlement in the Greenbrier Valley.
Citations:
[1] https://www.yelp.com/biz/cass-scenic-railroad-cass?adjust_creative=6zagVcKwffYZAA-51mlGNg
[2] https://wvstateparks.com/park/greenbrier-river-trail/
[3] https://wvrailtrails.org/rail_trail/greenbrier-river-trail/
[4] https://greenbrierwv.com/editorials/greenbrier-river-rail-trail
[5] https://www.traillink.com/trail/greenbrier-river-trail/
[6] https://www.nrtapplication.org/trails/greenbrier-river-trail
[7] https://wilderness-voyageurs.com/adventures/west-virginia-greenbrier-river-trail-bike-tour/
[8] https://greenbrierwv.com/editorials/roadtrip-along-the-greenbrier-river
[9] https://www.traillink.com/trail-history/greenbrier-river-trail/
No comments:
Post a Comment