Thurmond's Decline.. Maintained by the National Park Service, the historic town of Thurmond that once served as a very influential terminal to the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway and the New River coal market now sets primarily abandoned. The large servicing complex no longer remains and the iconic C&O coaling tower is slowly being camouflaged by vegetation. While Thurmond's contribution to the movement of coal across Southern West Virginia is not as significant as it once was, the location is certainly one of the most well established locations in the C&O history books. At the early morning hour of 4:56 am, eastbound export coal loads break the silence in downtown, enroute to Hinton from Elk Run.
This is dedicated (with permission) to the skilled and gifted photographer - Chase Gunnoe - who regularly posts and is on staff with RP. I believe he deserves a gallery showcasing his remarkable photos. This is for you Chase! (More great photos to come!)
