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Danville, Virginia — TheAmericanSouth (Mid-Atlantic)
Development of the Railroad
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, June 15, 2013
1. Richmond & Danville Railroad CWT Marker
By the outbreak of the Civil War, the Virginia General Assembly had chartered only eight railroads totaling 638 miles. The North, in contrast, had developed an immense network of railroads and canals. This transportation network reached into the heart of the trade centers, contributing to the political alignment of the Northwest to the industrial Northeast, and helping to isolate the South.
Whitmell P. Tunstall, a of Pittsylvania County, was not yet 28 years old when he stood to address his colleagues in the General Assembly in 1838, presenting his proposal for the construction of the Richmond & Danville Railroad. It took nine years for Tunstail to receive railroad charter after much stubborn opposition and ridicule. As the first president of the Richmond & Danville, he diligently guided the development of the road but unfortunately was never to see his dream come to life. Tunstall died of typhoid fever February 19, 1854, two years before the first engine entered Danville’s rail yard.
In January 1848, Andrew Talcott was appointed chief engineer for the construction of the railroad. Amid disappointments, loss, ridicule, and economic constriction, the work had advanced slowly at times. Finally, in June 1856 a train of 12 passenger cars filled to capacity rumbled across the Dan River railroad bridge before a crowd
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By the opening of the Civil War, the future of the Richmond & Danville Railroad never seemed brighter…
Andrew Talcott: Engineer ExtraordinaireOne of the leading engineers in North America during the antebellum era, Andrew Talcott superintended the construction of the Dismal Swamp Canal, Castle Calhoun Fort Monroe, repairs to the U.S. Mint, design of the Gosport Navy Yard’s granite dry dock and construction of several railroads such as the Richmond & Danville. While at work at Fort Monroe, the young lieutenant Robert E. Lee worked as Talcott’s assistant. Talcott developed the “Talcott Method” for determining terrestrial latitudes. His son, Charles, served as superintendent of the Richmond & Danville Railroad during the Civil War. Andrew Talcott died in Richmond in 1883.
Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1848.
Location. 36°35.127′N, 79°23.065′W. Marker is
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named (here, next to this marker); Danville Rail Passenger Station (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Worsham Street Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away); Danville Tobacco Warehouse and Residential District (approx. ¼ mile away); Tobacco Heritage Mural (approx. 0.3 miles away); Confederate Prison No. 6 (approx. 0.3 miles away); Prison Number 6 (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, June 15, 2013
3. Richmond & Danville Railroad CWT Markers
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 906 times since then and 140 times this year. Photos: 1.submitted on June 16, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2.submitted on April 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3.submitted on June 16, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
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Jun. 22, 2024
