Thurmond: A Town Born from Coal Mines and Railroads

(Photo by R. Eugene Harper, National Park Service) Deep in the rugged coal fields of West Virginia, the rumble of a steam locomotive mingles with the sound of the New River crashing through its steep rocky gorge. With brakes squealing, the train passes a signal and slows for its approach into the town of Thurmond. The hulking locomotive comes to a stop in front of the train depot as the track supervisor checks the traffic. Simultaneously, the conductor announces the train and workers remove bags of mail and parcels from the baggage car. Arriving passengers get off the train, while those departing stream from the station’s crowded waiting room to take their seats. Yard workers quickly uncouple the engine, and the engineer takes it to the coaling and water towers to refuel. As the locomotive is re-coupled to the cars, the conductor nods to the engineer and announces the train’s departure. The steam engine sends an explosive puff of smoke upwards, and the deafening whistle blows. As the sound of the train fades to a rumble, a fine dusting of soot settles on the starched white shirts and fashionable hats of the men and women bustling along the crowded sidewalk. From a distance they hear the approaching sound of yet another train coming into the town of Thurmond.

TABLE OF CONTENTS About This Lesson Getting Started: Inquiry Question Setting the Stage: Historical Context Locating the Site: Maps 1. The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway 2. The coal mine connection Determining the Facts: Readings 1. A Railroad Town 2. Behind the Scenes 3. A Ballad Visual Evidence: Images 1. Thurmond, c.1920 2. Layout of Thurmond 3. Postcard picture of Thurmond depot 4. Ticket office at a C&O depot Putting It All Together: Activities 1. Role Play 2. Recognizing Others 3. Transportation Then and Now Supplementary Resources

RELATED INFORMATION How to Use a TwHP Lesson Lessons on Related Topics TwHP Home National Register Home About the National Register How the National Register Helps Teachers Contact TwHP New River Gorge National River This lesson is based on Thurmond Historic District, one of the many historic districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

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