HNWR123

HNWR123

The N&W, like all major railroads, served its country well during World War II for the movement of troops and military freight. In fact, passenger service reached its zenith during wartime. While the exact location of this scene is unknown, it certainly represents what was a common occurrence at rail stations across the country - men leaving with family and loved ones bidding them goodbye. In World War I, the Federal Government had taken over the railroads to manage military transportation. In World War II, however, the railroads railroads organized themselves, allowing the Federal Government to only coordinate (not control) military transportation. During World War II, the N&W moved the most freight in its history. Nearly ten percent of the N&W's workforce served in the Armed Forces during World War II.

unknown

Circa 1942

Nelson Harris; Virginia Museum of Transportation

Please contact the Virginia Room at 540.853.2073 for permission to use.

Digital tiff

Still Image

HNWR123