Norfolk and Western Railway Company (1896-1982)
Historical Note
The Norfolk & Western Railway was established through a reorganization of the bankrupt Norfolk and Western Railroad in 1896, the latter company itself having arisen from the Atlantic, Mississippi & Ohio Railroad, a successor to the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad. Through expansion and various mergers, the N&W grew to become a major U.S. carrier, serving 14 states. The company manufactured steam locomotives at its own Roanoke Machine Works (established in Roanoke, Virginia in 1882), and among the railroad's affiliated holdings were several hotels (represented in this collection by the Bluefield Inn and the Hotel Roanoke). Among the company's larger merger acquisitions was the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad--the "Nickel Plate Road"--in 1964. (Other acquisitions represented in this collection are the Atlantic & Danville Railway (1962); the New Jersey, Indiana & Illinois Railroad (through acquisition of the Wabash Railroad, 1962); and the Winston-Salem Southbound Railway (acquired and operated jointly with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, 1909).) In 1982, the N&W combined with the Southern Railway to form Norfolk Southern Corporation.
Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:
Robert B. Claytor Papers
Robert B. Claytor (1922-1993) was the CEO of Norfolk Southern. His papers consist of correspondence, articles, brochures, and rosters created or collected by Claytor and his brother, W. Graham Claytor, about the National Railway Historical Society, the preservation of historic trains (including Southern Railway Engine 4501 and N&W Locomotive Number 611), and the Norfolk and Western Railway Company.
Chapman J. French Papers
The collection contains papers of Chapman J. French, civil engineer employed by Norfolk & Western Railway from 1903 to 1950. It includes correspondence, memoranda, working notes, and specifications for projects as well as company and engineering department procedures. Also includes personal papers, largely relating to purchases for household and farm.
Norfolk & Western Railway Company Construction Site Photographs
The Norfolk & Western Railway Company Construction Site Photographs includes approximately 360 photographs (and in some cases, photocopies of photographs) of railroad construction in Southwest Virginia. The majority of images date from 1967-1981.
Norfolk & Western Ledger
The Norfolk & Western Ledger contains summaries for all districts covered by the Norfolk & Western Railway.