For years, the railroad has played a vital role in the economics and history of Southwestern Virginia. On July 15, 2017, Natural Tunnel State Park and Norfolk Southern Railroad are partnering together to provide a program, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., that will touch upon geological and railroad history and promote railroad safety. For this event only, visitors will be able to walk into the naturally made tunnel via the railroad tracks. Norfolk Southern will have an engine on display for guests to see up close and personal at the south portal of the tunnel. Railroad Day is always one of the most popular special events at Natural Tunnel. Why are we still so enthusiastic about trains?

Railroad Day is the only day the public can walk through the natural tunnel

The history:
Up until the late 1800’s, moving supplies to the developing parts of our country meant loading as much as you could on a horse or in a wagon and heading westward to get it there. This was neither an easier or short trip. Wagon trains would have to navigate wilderness and mountains during all four seasons of the year. So when the idea of an “iron horse” was born, it didn’t take long to catch on. This meant safer, easier trips that could carry more cargo. It also meant jobs. They were not easy jobs but they were jobs that could help provide for families. Over time, as the railroad was built, it also led to other jobs such as mining jobs. The trains made a way to move a larger quantity of product such as coal. Again, because of the ability to transport the coal, more jobs were created to meet the demand.

The railroad brought new opportunities westward

Along with this development came change. As with anything, there were those who didn’t relish the idea of this train system moving west through their land. Some farmers ended up handing over strips of land for the development of the train system. But from our 2017 viewpoint, I think we can agree that this was one of the most important aspects of growth to our nation.

The folklore and legends:
The magnitude of the rail system as well as the engines and cars themselves led to countless stories and songs that would be passed down from one generation to the next. Several of which are still known today. These stories were often based in truth but as with many things, the stories became larger and more dramatic each time it was told. Men went from ordinary to larger than life heroes. Physical strength was not an option, it was a necessity for those laying the tracks for the railroad. When the men working on this project roll into town, they didn’t go unnoticed. The stories of the railroad development and the workers were everywhere. Imagine being a youngster on the western frontier seeing these strangers.

Not all the stories of the railroad were of heroes. Some were stories of robbery. As the railway system began to be used, it didn’t take long for the feared stage coach robbers to shift to becoming train robbers. Frank and Jesse James two of the most infamous in history. These brothers are still the focus of movies, books and television shows today.

I can see how these things would catch the imagination of the boys and probably even young ladies. When that happens stories are inevitable.

The imagination:
One of the most recognized of these characters is the “steel-driving man”, John Henry. It is said that of all railroad personalities, Henry has more songs written about his experiences than anyone else. These stories and songs tell of a man who was so strong and good at his job that he was able to win a man vs. machine contest. He was a character boys could aspire to be like while the James brothers were characters that could create hours of creative playtime.

Even today, unrelated to these particular characters, we continue to be fascinated by trains. During World War I and II, a popular images was the young bride sending-off/welcoming home her soldier, there is a train themed amusement park in North Carolina, Tweetsie Railroad, and modern-day children’s cartoons, Thomas the Train. Railroad Day at Natural Tunnel is the perfect opportunity for you and your family to be able to get up-close with the magnificent machines that played such a vital role in the development our country’s history and culture.

Kids, and kids at heart, are still fascinated by trains
 

The swimming pool will also be open during regular operating hours the day of the event. For Railroad Day, the parking is $4 per vehicle and admission is free. The chairlift is $4 per person for a round trip ticket. For a one-way ticket the cost is $3 per person; children two or younger ride free. Parking for this event will take place in the picnic area.

Please note the tunnel will close to pedestrians at 2:45 p.m. Trains will resume activity at 3 p.m.  

For more information call (276) 940-2674.