Norfolk & Western Railway Company Construction Site Photographs

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Norfolk & Western Railway Company Construction Site Photographs, Ms1997-027, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.6 Cubic Feet 2 boxes
Creator:
Norfolk and Western Railway Company (1896-1982)
Abstract:
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.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Norfolk & Western Railway Company Construction Site Photographs, Ms1997-027, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

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.

Biographical / historical:

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. In order to raise capital to pay off debt, meet its payroll and other obligations, and make continued improvements to the line, the new company issued $23 million in preferred stock, $66 million in common stock, and $62.5 million gold bonds paying four percent, secured through a consolidated mortgage to the Mercantile Trust Company of New York.

Through expansion and various mergers, the company 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. In 1982, the N&W combined with the Southern Railway to form Norfolk Southern Corporation.

Acquisition information:
The Norfolk Western Railway Company Construction Site Photographs were purchased by Special Collections in 1997.
Processing information:

Initial processing, arrangement, and description of the Norfolk & Western Railway Company Construction Site Photographs was completed in 1997. Additional description was completed in 2015.

Arrangement:

The photographs are organized in chronological order, with undated photographs at the end.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard