The railroad brought the progress of the modern world to Wytheville. In service from 1873 - 1975, the town's depot still stands as a quiet testament to the technology that shaped a town and the lives of countless people.
My father put my brother and myself on a train out of Wytheville, headed to Roanoke on April 30th 1971. I remember being in 4th grade, and I believe this was a weekend. The black porter waiting on us commented about it being his last day. I appreciate my father giving us a glimpse of what the old iron horse days were like. I appreciate him giving us that ride and meeting us in Roanoke to take us back to Wytheville in the old Chevy Bel Air station wagon. His favorite song was City of New Orleans. I guess the nostalgia around trains was intense for him. Thanks, Dad.
This was an excellent documentary. Local and regional history is often overlooked. Even when one has no connection to a place, such history explains its essence.
