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Saturday, December 21, 2024

The Iron Mountain and Greenbrier Railroad

 


The Iron Mountain and Greenbrier Railroad was a significant part of the history of the region, and its development is detailed in the sources.

Establishment and Purpose

  • The railroad was incorporated to construct and operate a railway in West Virginia.
  • The railroad was planned to run from near the mouth of Beaver Creek in Pocahontas County to a point at or near White Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County.
  • The principal business office of the corporation was located in Ronceverte, Greenbrier County.
  • The railroad was intended to be a perpetual corporation.
  • The capital stock was set at $100,000, divided into shares of $100 each.
  • The construction work began in July.

Construction and Operation

  • Daniel O'Connell supervised the construction as far as Neola.
  • The railroad ran to the right of Midland Trail (U.S. 60), crossed it near the east end of White Sulphur Springs, and then followed the left of the highway until the Buskirk farm area. From there, it went up Howards Creek to the Divide and down Flemings Run to Alvon. At Alvon it crossed the road to the left and followed up Anthony Creek to Neola.
  • The railroad was later extended about 14 miles up the North Fork of Anthony Creek to The Dock.
  • Another branch line extended one and a half miles up Meadow Creek to a band mill.
  • The total length of the railroad was about 36 miles.
  • The railroad was initially called the Iron Mountain and Greenbrier Railroad, but was later changed to the White Sulphur and Huntersville Railroad.
  • The railroad transported logs to Ronceverte, where they were milled.
  • The railroad also transported iron ore.
  • A local freight service was also operated, transporting lumber and other goods.
  • The railroad had passenger stops at Montague Docks, Maple Drive, Divide, Wylie Crossing, Alvon, Shyrock, and Neola.
  • There was one round trip passenger train per day between White Sulphur Springs and Neola.

Personnel and Labor

  • Daniel O'Connell supervised the construction of the railroad and also oversaw timbering operations.
  • Frank Hauck of Ronceverte managed the railroad.
  • Mike Hennessy was the conductor from the first passenger run until the railroad was abandoned.
  • Fred Nihoof was the first engineer on the railroad.
  • Edgar Brackman followed Nihoof as an engineer.
  • George Clark was an engine hostler.
  • Many laborers worked on the construction and operation of the railroad.

Challenges and Difficulties

  • The track was not in first-class condition, with little or no ballast, contributing to derailments.
  • The company did not own a derrick, so wrecks had to be cleared using cables and jacks.
  • The railroad experienced derailments and other accidents.
  • A flood in 1918 washed out parts of the track.
  • Wages were never high, and working hours were long.

Decline and Abandonment

  • The railroad ceased operation in 1929.
  • The rails were removed and sold for scrap, some of which were shipped to China.

Related Businesses and Activities

  • The Thomas J. Shyrock Lumber Company purchased timber land in the area and shipped logs to Ronceverte.
  • The St. Lawrence Boom and Manufacturing Company manufactured logs at Ronceverte.
  • The Dana-Guthrie Lumber Company was in charge of timbering at Neola.
  • A.E. Huddleston operated the Mountain Milling Company and the first electric power plant in White Sulphur Springs.
  • There was also a grist mill on Anthony Creek.
  • The railroad also facilitated the operation of early splash dams.
  • There was a local hardware and furniture store started by Rufus Bowling near the railroad's right-of-way.

The Iron Mountain and Greenbrier Railroad played a crucial role in the development of the region, supporting the lumber and mining industries and facilitating transportation.

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