Southside Railroad (Virginia)

The Southside Railroad was formed in Virginia in 1846. Construction was begun in 1849 and completed in 1854.[1][2] The 5 ft (1,524 mm) gauge[3] railroad connected City Point, a port on the James River with the farm country south and west of Petersburg, Virginia, to Lynchburg, Virginia, a distance of about 132 miles (212 km).

Southside Railroad
South Side Railroad Depot in Petersburg, VA at corner of Rock and River streets, built 1851, 1853.
Overview
HeadquartersPetersburg, Virginia
LocaleVirginia
Dates of operation1854–1870
SuccessorAtlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad
Technical
Track gauge5 ft (1,524 mm) gauge[3]
Length132 miles (212 km)
High Bridge near Farmville, Virginia in the 1850s

The Southside Railroad was important to the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War (1861–1865). Ravaged by the war, it was rebuilt and later became an important part of Norfolk and Western and Norfolk Southern's coal route from the mountains to port at Hampton Roads. In addition to coal, most of the route is in active use in the 20th century for intermodal container and automobile parts and completed vehicle shipments.

  1. ^ Edward Pollock (1884). Historical and industrial guide to Petersburg, Virginia. Рипол Классик. p. 98. ISBN 978-5-88344-634-3.
  2. ^ Federal Writers' Project (31 October 2013). The WPA Guide to Virginia: The Old Dominion State. Trinity University Press. p. 87. ISBN 978-1-59534-244-7.
  3. ^ a b Confederate Railroads - South Side