The Best Railroad history in Chesapeake, Virginia

Lee Hall Depot, located at 9 Elmhurst Street in Newport News, Virginia, is a historic museum that was built around 1881 on the Chesapeake & Ohio rail line. The wooden building features a two-story central section with single-story wings on each side. The Stationmaster and his family once lived on the second floor of the central section. This depot played a crucial role in the development of the village of Lee Hall and surrounding communities in Warwick County and lower James City County. Although passenger service at the station ceased in the late 1970s, the depot was saved from demolition in 2008 when CSX (formerly C&O Railroad) donated it to the City of Newport News. The City, in partnership with the Lee Hall Train Station Foundation, restored the building and transformed it into a museum. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the significance of the railroad in the area, as well as learn about the history of Lee Hall village.

The C&O Railway Heritage Center is a fascinating museum and tourist attraction located at 705 Main Street in Clifton Forge, Virginia, United States. This institution celebrates the rich history of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, showcasing exhibits and artifacts that highlight the importance of the railroad in shaping the region's development. Visitors can explore interactive displays, learn about the impact of the railway on local communities, and even take a ride on a vintage train. The C&O Railway Heritage Center is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of transportation and the American railroad industry.

C&O Church Hill Tunnel West Portal is a historic site located at 401 North 18th Street in Richmond, Virginia, United States. This tunnel was built in the early 1870s by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) and extends approximately 4,000 feet under the Church Hill district of Richmond. Tragically, on October 2, 1925, the tunnel collapsed on a work train, resulting in the deaths of four men and the trapping of a steam locomotive and ten flat cars. Despite rescue efforts, the tunnel was eventually sealed for safety reasons. Over the years, the tunnel has continued to cause problems above ground, with sinkholes destroying houses and other structures in the area. The tunnel remains dangerous and is owned by CSX Transportation, the successor to C&O.