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United States Naval Academy

Undergraduate College of the U.S. NavyGuided Walking Tours include the

Naval Academy Chapel, Crypt of John Paul Jones,Statue of Tecumseh and the history and traditions of the

U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.

HISTORICAL, EDUCATIONAL, JEWISH CHAPEL AND MILITARY REUNION TOURSNaval Academy Gift ShopRestrooms, Exhibits, Film

Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center(410) 293-8687 (410) 293-3365 (fax)www.usnabsd.com/for-visitors

Visitor Center HoursJanuary-February: 9 am - 4 pmMarch-December 9 am - 5 pm

UU..SS.. NNaavvaall AAccaaddeemmyy CCaammppuuss..Click for Video

By Steve Kirchner, Editor & PublisherPREVIEW

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Welcome to Byways annualGreat American Railroadsissue. Each year we seek out

a number of North American touristrailroads to celebrate the nostalgia ofpassenger railroading.

We begin our journey in Canada.Travel on the Rocky Mountaineer is a real life adventuretoday. Here, you can experience what it’s like on a mod-ern train with all the comforts associated with the heydayof the past.

Pat Woods invites us to travel along on her dreamvacation, a 595-mile trek through some of WesternCanada’s most spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery.

Bill Graves takes us to another part of the Rockies,with a visit to theCumbres & Toltec ScenicRailroad in New Mexicoand Colorado. It’s anoth-er story of a nearly aban-doned railroad, but thisone was saved when thetwo states went togetherto purchase the railroad.

Today, the Cumbres &Toltec Railroad has fouroperating coal red andsteam-operated locomo-tives and offers one of thegreat scenic rides of theRockies on America’s longest and highest narrow-gaugerailroad.

In Indiana, Bill Graves visits the French Lick ScenicRailroad.

“Before there was Las Vegas, people came here to themiddle of Indiana to gamble,” conductor BobMcCracken said.

“French Lick was the vacation spot for the gangstersup in Chicago.”

In the 1920s, the train was the only way to get to theFrench Lick resort. As many as 13 trains a day werecoming to French Lick. That service ended in the 1940s.

In Kentucky, the Big South Fork Railway operatesexcursions from April through November. It traces itsheritage to the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway, whichonce stretched over 25 miles into the Big South ForkRiver valley and operated 12 steam locomotives.

After the turn of the century, the Stearns Coal &Lumber Company was established. It built the town of

Stearns to serve as the hub of a logging and miningempire that would control over 200 square miles of land,and Sterns would become one of the largest companytowns in America.

A highlight is the train stop at the Blue Heron Mine,where passengers can take a walking tour of the site.

West Virginia Railroads, Yesterday and Today high-lights the impact of the railroads on the state.

Locked deep within West Virginia’s heavily forestedmountains that offer a wealth of lumber are the richdeposits of coal, natural gas and oil that characterize somuch of the state. These reserves were largely inaccessi-ble until the coming of the rails.

Today, passenger train excursions on lines includingthe Durbin & Greenbrier Railroad, Cass Railroad,

Potomac Eagle and NewRiver Train are scheduledfrequently and are avail-able to visitors to WestVirginia.

The final stop on the rail-road journey is Strasburg,Pennsylvania, where rail-road history has beenrestored. You’ll almost for-get that you’re immersed ina richly educational experi-ence -- learning aboutsteam railroading, agricul-ture, Amish culture and PA

Dutch heritage. Founded in 1832, the Strasburg RailRoad is celebrating its 184th Anniversary of its railroadcharter this year.

This month’s feature story highlights St. Louis. If youhaven’t been recently, St. Louis is a place where historyand imagination collide, and it is currently undergoing anamazing transformation with more than $5 billion ofinvestment in its tourism infrastructure with more proj-ects on the way,

In What’s Happening, Washington on the Brazos StateHistoric Site is not only celebrating the 180th anniver-sary of the signing of the Texas Declaration ofIndependence from Mexico in 1836 at Washington onthe Brazos, but it is also the state park’s 100th birthday. 

To commemorate, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department(TPWD), Blinn College and Washington on the BrazosState Park Association -- are planning some Texas-sizedcelebrations. 

We hope you enjoy this issue of Byways!

Steam engine on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

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FeaturesGreat American Railroads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Rocky Mountaineer Fulfills Vacation Dream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 French Lick Scenic Railway, Indiana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22The Big South Fork Scenic Railway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24West Virginia Railroads, Yesterday & Today. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30History Restored in Strasburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

It’s Time for Your Next Great St. Louis Adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

DepartmentsByways Instant Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Byways Preview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Traveling the Highways & Byways with Bill Graves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Free Byways Subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

What’s HappeningIndependence Anniversary in Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Coming in future issues of Byways ..... Mountains & Valleys, Ocean Views, Rivers & Lakes,Great American Roads and much more!

Next Up: Mountains & Valleys

The view into Mexico atthe U.S. border nearMcAllen, in the RioGrande Valley of Texas.Byways photo.

Volume 33, Issue No. 1 2016

On the cover. The front windows of Gold Leaf cars are popular places forphoto ops on Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer. Great American Railroads cover-age begins on page 8. Photo courtesy Pat Woods.

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Great American Railroads

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After an appetizing lunch withwine, Gold Leaf guests relax incomfortable seats and enjoy thescenery on Canada’s RockyMountaineer.Photo courtesy Pat Woods.

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Excitement rippled through the Vancouver stationas smiling passengers arrived to board the highlyacclaimed daylight luxury train through Western

Canada’s scenic Rocky Mountains. As the guests sippedearly morning coffee, tea and juice, a pianist playedcheery railroad tunes. When the pianist played his finalnote, a bagpiper in full Scottish regalia drew everyone’sattention.

Rocky Mountaineer officials introduced themselvesand showed eager guests to their assigned train cars. Ashusband Rob and I began the 595-mile journey, the

Fraser River sparkled in the morning sun. Following theriver, the sleek train passed through the fertile agricultur-al valley, tiny British Columbia towns and the scenicFraser Canyon.

Fir, aspen, maple and other hardwood trees grew a fewfeet from our window. Crossing the South ThompsonRiver, we caught a glimpse of snow-capped MountBaker. The sleek eastbound train crossed bridges, passedcascading waterfalls and navigated through sceniccanyons and narrow tunnels in five mountain ranges.

Annie, our gregarious car hostess, shared fascinating

Rocky Mountaineer RailFulfills Vacation Dream

By Pat Woods

As the Rocky Mountaineer approachesBanff, more snowy peaks become visible.

railroad lore, described people and events thatshaped Western Canada’s history and pointedout scenic wonders, archaeological features,flora and fauna.

Near Ashcroft -- one of the driest places inBC -- we saw unique hoodoo rock formations.Because Rocky Mountaineer shares tracks withfreight trains, the engineer occasionally pulledonto a siding to enable a long freight train topass. We learned long freight trains can have100 to 300 cars!

The train stopped for photos at the famousHell’s Gate Canyon, known for its steep gorgeand intimidating Fraser River whitewater. Wewatched as sightseeing gondola cars carriedland passengers to the bottom of the steepcanyon. Hell’s Gate also has a salmon ladderthat helps the spawning fish reach their destina-tion.

Watching the spectacular scenery -- rushing rivers,towering cliffs, and thousands of acres of lush greenforests -- was relaxing and refreshing. Bi-level Gold Leafdome cars provide panoramic views of rugged canyons,snow-capped mountain peaks, rushing rivers, and lushmountain meadows where cattle, horses, and sheepgraze.

Amid the splendid scenery, guests were thrilled withsightings of deer, mountain sheep, beavers, bald eagles,and osprey and an occasional bear or moose. Annie

urged guests to watch for Bald Eagles in dead trees.“Bald eagles can have a 5-foot wingspan,” she said.

Along with other Gold Leaf guests, we descended aspiral staircase to dining car tables clad in white linen.Talented on-board chefs prepared gourmet breakfastsand lunches using fresh local ingredients. Breakfastbegan with elegantly presented fruit and bakery, fol-lowed by choices of omelets, pancakes, or lighter fare.We substituted extra fruit for bacon and sausage with ourcheese omelets.

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With the scenery just 3 to 4 feet away, dining carmeals are a joy! Photos courtesy Pat Woods.

Gold Leaf lunches provide a delicious dessert finale.

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The train stopped for photos at the famous Hell’s GateCanyon, known for its steep gorge and intimidating FraserRiver whitewater. Photo courtesy Pat Woods.

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With the scenery as close as four feet, dining car mealsare a visual and gastronomical delight. Lunch startedwith soup or salad followed by delicious meat, fish orvegetarian entrees and finished with a decadent dessert.Seated with a congenial Aussie couple, we comparednotes on travel, vacation time and tipping policies in ourrespective countries.

In British Columbia’s beautiful Okanagan Valley, wepassed ginseng farms and lavender fields. Throughoutthe journey, cordial car hostesses served premium B.C.and Alberta wines, spirits, beer, cheese, crackers andscones. The Gold Leaf bar opened at 9:30, and adult bev-erages flowed freely.

Because our May 11 trip was early in the season, ourtrain had 21 cars carrying 327 guests. During the busysummer months, Rocky Mountaineer trains can have upto 40 cars.

The first bighorn sheep sighting occurred as weapproached Kamloops, a city of 85,000 where highwaysintersect. Within the next hour, alert guests spotted fourmore small flocks of sure-footed bighorns eating sage-brush.

Annie said the word Kamloops means “Meeting of thewaters.” On the First Passage to the West route, guestsovernight at Kamloops hotels. Luggage magicallyappeared in rooms and was collected by the train crewthe following morning, eliminating a major hassle.

On the second day, Annie pointed out snow sheds thatshield the train from avalanches. The RockyMountaineer navigated two unique Spiral Tunnels,remarkable feats of engineering. Wildlife sightings andmassive snow-covered peaks became more common aswe approached Banff.

“Bear on the right!” a male Aussie voice shouted asheads swiveled and hands fumbled with cameras andphones.

Near Lake Louise, we crossed the Continental Divide,the highest point of our journey at 5,332 feet where allrivers to the east flow toward the Atlantic, while rivers tothe west make their way to the Pacific.

The train passes lush green meadows with grazing cattle,horses and sheep. Photos courtesy Pat Woods

One of many of bridges on the 595-mile First Passage to the West routeof the Rocky Mountaineer.

The rail portion of our eastbound trip ended in Banff,a pretty mountain town where streets are named afterwildlife that roams freely. After saying a reluctant good-bye to our train hosts, we overnighted at the beautifulTimberline Resort.

In the morning a Brewster bus drove us to the Calgaryairport. From reservations to Calgary airport transfer,every segment of our trip was smoothly orchestrated byseasoned Rocky Mountaineer staffers.

If you goRocky Mountaineer offers five routes and 45 vacation

packages with a plethora of add-on options. Guests canovernight at historic Fairmont Hotels in Seattle,Vancouver, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Calgary.Each conjures up images of a grand era—and providesan indoor pool and spa to relax tired muscles.

Rocky Mountaineer journeys originate in Vancouver(eastbound) or Calgary (westbound). Guests can chooseovernights and tours in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper,Alberta; Victoria, Vancouver and Whistler, BritishColumbia; and Seattle, Washington.

Rocky Mountaineer offers three service levels. Manyguests take the Rocky Mountaineer train journey beforeor after an Alaska cruise.

To plan your trip of a lifetime, call 800-665-7245 orvisit www.rockymountaineer.com.

Where to stayRocky Mountaineer partners with Fairmont Hotels.

This upscale hotelier operates three downtownVancouver locations. All three are within walking dis-tance of each other, and each is distinctively different:the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver honors its railroad roots;Fairmont Waterfront is connected to the cruise ship ter-minal and is known for its organic rooftop gardens andapiaries; the Fairmont Pacific Rim is new and edgy.www.Fairmonthotels.com.

Our pre-train stay on the Gold floor of FairmontVancouver Hotel was a joy with a daily deluxe Europeanbreakfast, concierge service, daytime snacks, free WIFI.

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About the Author. A widely pub-lished travel writer, Pat Woods is anArizona-based train aficionado whowould love to see train service betweenPhoenix and West Coast cities.

You can see more of her work at: www.clippings.me/users/patwoods

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Rocky Mountains Highs &Lows on the Cumbres & ToltecScenic Railroad By Bill Graves

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The Cumbres & Toltec was built in 1880 as part ofthe Rio Grande’s San Juan Extension of theDenver & Rio Grande Western that originally

served the silver mines in the mountains of southwesternColorado.

It was built with narrow-gauge track of 3 feet betweenthe rails, instead of the standard-gauge 4 feet, 81⁄2 inch-es. The main reason was that sharper turns could be laidwith the narrower gauge, important when navigatingalong mountain ridges.

After the demand for silver tanked around the turn ofthe century, the railroad struggled. Good times in the1920s allowed for the purchase of “modern” steamengines that are still in use here. Except for a respite dur-ing World War II, the Cumbres & Toltec never recoveredfrom the Depression. Most narrow-gauge lines in theRocky Mountains were scrapped in the ’50s.Unfortunately, in 1969 the use of steam locomotives ingeneral freight service ended in this country.

Between Chama and Durango, part of the main line’sabandoned track was dismantled. But thanks to thosesupporters with the enchantment of trains, the scenic por-tion of the line was saved.

In 1970, the states of Colorado and New Mexico joint-ly bought the track and sideline structures from Antonitoto Chama, nine steam locomotives, more than 130freight and work cars, the yards and maintenance facili-ty, all for $547,120. The following year the new railroadbegan hauling passengers.

Today, the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad has four oper-ating coal red and steam-operated locomotives (and theyhope to get a fifth one running!) and offers one of thegreat scenic rides of the Rockies on America’s longestand highest narrow-gauge railroad. Climbing to an ele-vation of 10,015 feet at one point, passengers are treatedto views of steep gorges, sheer cliffs, broad valleys and afew cattle ranches. Around Antonito, the train passesthrough a pinyon-juniper forest and across desert plainsof sagebrush.

The trains snake along the Colorado/New Mexico bor-der, moving at 20 to 25 mph. They pass over high tres-tles across rivers, through tunnels under mountains andmake some “whiplash” turns as they loop back on them-selves to gain or lose elevation. Each train burns about 4tons of coal each day.

Osier, on the Colorado side at 9,637 feet elevation, isroughly the halfway point. It was once a stagecoach stopand a small railroad town. The trains meet here atlunchtime. In the station’s dining hall hot meals areserved upstairs -- it reminded me of a military chow line-- with a salad bar downstairs.

Since many of you may have not ridden this train,allow me to suggest the best way to do it. Drive toChama, it’s 106 miles north of Santa Fe on U.S. Route84.

At 8:30 a.m., take the railroad’s bus, included withyour train ticket, to Antonito. Board the train there andride back to Chama. After six hours of riding the rails,when you get back to Chama, you are “home” and can

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From sagebrush to the Rocky Mountainson the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad.

Photos courtesy Bill Graves.

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then relax and think back on your day of beautifulscenery and the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains.

Another advantage of taking the westbound train fromAntonito is that you are saving the best for last. The highmesa country coming out of Antonito has its own spar-tan beauty. But when you get back on the train afterlunch, you are in the mountains with views normallyreserved for eagles and mountain goats.

At Windy Point, one of the most famous places inAmerican railroading, the rails are laid on a rock shelf,carved from the face of a cliff. The train then begins a 4percent down grade, accentuated by squeaking brakes,into the Rio Chama valley.

Chama is a small mountain town: elevation 7,871 feet,population 1,250. The town is there primarily because ofthe train, but lumber and outdoor recreation contribute toits economy. During the months the train is running (thisyear’s schedule is May 28 through October 23), all theshops and eateries in town are open by 7 a.m. for thosewho want breakfast or to shop before the train or busleaves.

After the morning rush, things are pretty quiet in townthe rest of the day, “But when we hear the train whistleas it comes down the grade, the town comes alive again.”said a Chama resident. The train pulls in at 4:40 p.m. By7 p.m., except for a few restaurants that stay open, thetown of Chama is closed up.

By the evening, the train has been cleaned and is readyfor the next day’s scenic ride. The engine has been turnedover to the shop crew who keep it going all night. Inthose dark hours, the engine groans and moans like aleashed animal.

For information on the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad: 888-CUMBRES (286-2737)Chama, New Mexico, Depot: 575-756-2151 Antonito,

Colorado, Depot: 719-376-5488. www.cumbrestoltec.com

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About the Author. Bill Graves is a California basedtravel journalist who also writes the Traveling theHighways & Byways column in Byways. He can bereached at Roadscribe@aol.com.

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Before we hadtrains, no onecould take a trip,

Bob McCrackenexplains. “Railroadsinvented tourism.” He is a conductor onthe French Lick ScenicRailway and a retiredMethodist minister.

“Prior to having reliable cars and decent roads, a familyvacation took a couple months, if they wanted to go anydistance.

The railroadchanged all that.”

Like practicallyeverybody work-ing in our coun-try’s tourist-trainbusiness, Bob is avolunteer.

In NorthAmerica we have676 tourist trains.Most of them arein the northeasternU.S. -- 257. Themajority are justscenic rides incentury-old pas-senger cars. Someare dinner trains.A few, like theGrand CanyonRailway, provide round-trip travel to a destination andeven offer different classes of service. It’s rare to findone still using a steam engine.

In the rest of the world, off of this continent, there are420 tourist trains. The numbers tell it all: we Americanslove our old trains.

“Before there was Las Vegas, people came here to themiddle of Indiana to gamble,” Bob said. “French Lickwas the vacation spot for the gangsters up in Chicago.”

In the 1920s, the train was the only way to get here.As many as 13 trains a day were coming to French Lick.That service ended in the 1940s.

“This was an upscale destination, two world-classhotels, showplaces really,” Bob continued. “The domeat the West Baden Springs Hotel was called ‘the eighth

wonder of the world’ when it was built in 1901. It cre-ates a 30,000-square-foot atrium with five floors ofrooms facing into it. The dome was the largest in theworld until the Houston Astrodome was put up in 1964.”

Bob called, “All aboard!” He told me to grab a

chair in the baggagecar near AllenBarnett. He narratesthe trip on the train’spublic address sys-tem. Allen lives hereand has been a volun-teer on the railroad for20 years. He is nowits General Manager.

The train goesthrough 20 miles ofthe Hoosier NationalForest. The engineerhas a chain saw in thecab in case he has tostop and remove atree that’s fallenacross the track.

Halfway into thetrip, we entered a tun-nel that is 2,200 feet

Traveling the Highways & Bywayswith Bill Graves

FRENCH LICK SCENIC RAILWAY, INDIANA

22 • Byways

Conductor Bob McCracken

Riding the French LickScenic Railway. Photoscourtesy Bill Graves.

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About the author: After seeing much of the world as acareer naval officer, Bill Graves decided, after he retired, totake a closer look at the United States. He has been roamingthe country for 20 years, much of it in a motorhome with hisdog Rusty. He lives in Rancho Palos Verdes, California and isthe author of On the Back Roads, Discovering Small Towns ofAmerica. He can be reached at Roadscribe@aol.com.

United States Naval Academy

Undergraduate College of the U.S. NavyGuided Walking Tours include the

Naval Academy Chapel, Crypt of John Paul Jones,Statue of Tecumseh and the history and traditions of the

U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.

HISTORICAL, EDUCATIONAL, JEWISH CHAPEL AND MILITARY REUNION TOURSNaval Academy Gift ShopRestrooms, Exhibits, Film

Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center(410) 293-8687 (410) 293-3365 (fax)www.usnabsd.com/for-visitors

Visitor Center HoursJanuary-February: 9 am - 4 pmMarch-December 9 am - 5 pm

Photo ID required, ages 18 and over

U.S. Naval Academy Campus.

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long -- and that’s a long way at five mph when the tem-perature suddenly drops to 55 degrees and its pitch dark.

“This was the playground of the rich and famous,”Allen said. “It was here in 1931 that Franklin Rooseveltannounced at a Democrat Governor’s Conference that hewas going to run for president.

“There were a dozen places to gamble, all illegal ofcourse. People here worked in the casinos, generationafter generation. But they couldn’t patronize them. Theyhad bouncers to keep the locals out.

That way the churches didn’t make a fuss that gam-bling was a bad influence on the community. That thecasinos donated money to the churches had a calminginfluence too, I’m sure. Lots of little churches around

here were built with casino money.”Gambling was shut down here in 1949, but has since

become legal in Indiana. A new casino is attached to thefully restored French Lick Resort Hotel.

The train slowed to a stop. Allen reached for themicrophone, “This is Cuszo, a town of 25, our halfwaypoint. Walk around, but please do not try to visit the onebusiness in town. They don’t want us. In fact they lockthe door when the train arrives.”

That business is a tavern. Of course, we watched as ayoung kid tried the door -- nothing tempts the curiouslike the forbidden. www.frenchlickscenicrailway.org

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24 • Byways

The Big South Fork Scenic Railway

“When Coal, Lumber, And Railroads Were King…”

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The Big South Fork Scenic Railway in the Big South Fork NationalRiver & Recreation Area of Kentucky. Photo courtesy BSFSRY.com.

In 1902, Justus S. Stearns of Ludington, Michiganbought 30,000 acres of virgin timberland in southernKentucky. When coal was discovered soon after-

wards, the Stearns Coal & Lumber Company was estab-lished.

The company built the town of Stearns to serve as thehub of a logging and mining empire that would controlover 200 square miles of land, build the Kentucky &Tennessee Railway, erect the first all electric sawmill inthe U.S. and employ over 2,200 people living and work-ing in 18 coal and lumber camps.

Most of the buildings in the Stearns business districtwere painted in company colors, sage green with whitetrim. The Company office headquarters building and sur-rounding Company houses were painted white with darkgreen trim. Residents enjoyed services provided by the

Company, such as water and sewage, electricity, andsteam heat for their homes. Recreation amenities includ-ed a golf course, tennis courts, pool hall, and baseballfield for their leisure time.

The Kentucky & Tennessee Railway once stretchedover 25 miles into the Big South Fork River valley andoperated 12 steam locomotives. It served as the primarypassage not only for timber and coal, but also for work-ers and supplies going to camps along its line. The K&T,like many shortline railroads operated steam locomo-tives several years after the mainline railroads hadswitched to diesel power.

In the 1950s, the Stearns Company closed several coalmines and the K&T discontinued passenger service. By1976, the Stearns Coal & Lumber Company had sold itsmining operations to Blue Diamond Coal Company. The

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The Blue Heron Mine

Company’s vast land holdings transferred to the NationalForest, the Big South Fork National River & RecreationArea, and private ownership. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

The recreation area, established in 1974, set aside aportion of the rugged Cumberland Plateau cut by the BigSouth Fork of the Cumberland River. The free-flowingriver, scenic gorges and sandstone bluff are a haven for

Byways • 27

Passengers leaving the station.

BSFSRY diesel engine. Photos courtesy BSFSRY.com.

adventure tourism: fishing, kayaking, whitewater canoe-ing, rafting, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, rockclimbing, horseback riding, and camping.

Coal mining ceased along the K&T in 1987. Today, theMcCreary County Heritage Foundation, Inc., a non-prof-it organization, has taken on the task to preserve, protect,and interpret the rich history of one of the few companytowns in America still surrounded by its coal, lumber,and railroad roots. The National Historic District ofStearns, McCreary County Museum, and Big South ForkScenic Railway provide the venues necessary for theHeritage Foundation to keep this thriving history alive.

Today the Big South Fork Railway operates excur-sions from April through November. In addition to theBlue Heron Ghost Train, they include HalloweenSpecials, the Moonshine Limited, Banjo BoogieExpress, Run to the Gorge, K&T Special, and SouthFork Santa Express. The train is popular with groups,families, seniors, and, of course, rail fans of all ages!Blue Heron Mine

The Stearns Coal & Lumber Company used species ofbirds as a way to advertise their grades of coal. Eachmine produced a different grade, with names like GoldenPheasant and Scarlet Tanager. The newest mine and tip-ple the company owned in 1938 was Blue Heron. This

mine, tipple, and surrounding camp houses were aban-doned in 1962.

When the train makes its stopover in Blue Heron, vis-itors may take a self-guided tour of the site. Instead of acomplete restoration, the Blue Heron site is designed asan oral history center, where the people who actuallylived and worked here tell their story through audiorecordings housed in “ghost structures”.

The ghost structures are simply representations ofwhere the actual buildings once stood many years ago.

In addition to the ghost structures, there is a picnicshelter, concession stand, and gift shop to explore. Thesite is now owned and operated by the National ParkService as part of the Big South Fork National River &Recreation Area. A National Park Service Ranger is usu-ally available to answer any questions you may have.The National Park Service may be reached at 606-376-5073.

The historic railroad brings visitors to learn the richcultural history of coal miners, loggers, and farmers thatsettled the area, and and allows them to step back in timeat locations like the Blue Heron Mining District and theOscar Blevins farm where original structures remain.http://bsfsry.com

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The Blue Heron Railroad Depot.

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Click for Video

30 • Byways

West Virginia Railroads - Yesterday & Today

Almost heaven! The Durbin & Greenbrier Railroad takes passengersthrough the beautiful scenery of West Virginia. Photo courtesyDurbin & Greenbrier Railroad.

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It may be strange to learn, but the history of the rail-roads in West Virginia actually began in Maryland!Baltimore and the state of Maryland constructed the

B&O Railroad as a link to the agricultural Midwest andto commerce offered by the Ohio River, and to increasethe city’s competitive edge. West Virginia’s Railroad Heritage

As a result of its location, more than 210 of B&O’S379 miles of track lie within West Virginia.

The Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) is the oldest railroad in

the United States and was completed to Wheeling,(West) Virginia on Christmas Eve, 1852. The line passedthrough Harpers Ferry and Grafton to become a majordivision point that also served the Northwestern VirginiaRailroad. Later it connected with Parkersburg. Farthereast, Martinsburg also became a first-class railway town,possessing a round house and machine shops.

Locked deep within West Virginia’s heavily forestedmountains that offer a wealth of lumber are the richdeposits of coal, natural gas and oil that characterize somuch of the state.

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These reserves were largely inaccessible until thecoming of the rails. Following a depression in the 1870sand the beginning of the industrialization of the UnitedStates, railroad lines were constructed with a goal torecover West Virginia’s natural resources.

Construction challenges were daunting to say the least.The Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) line, which connectedRichmond, Virginia and Huntington, West Virginia,faced enormous barriers. Tunnels were blasted anddrilled through the mountains, giving birth not only to arail line, but to legends as well.

One such legend concerns the Great Bend Tunnel atTalcott and John Henry, the “Steel Drivin’ Man” madepopular by ballads. A statue near the site of the epic con-test, man versus machine, commemorates the story ofJohn Henry’s competition with a steam drill.

One of the first trunk lines built in West Virginia afterthe Civil War, the C&O Railway was started in 1868 andthe rails were connected at Hawks Nest on January 29,1873. Following the pathways of Native Americans andstagecoach routes, the C&O line entered the state east ofWhite Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County and trav-eled through the canyon of the New River, followed theKanawha River for several miles and then cut across toHuntington and the Ohio River.

The completion of the line in 1873 opened the south-ern half of West Virginia, most notably the KanawhaRiver Valley, to industrialization. The railroad also madepossible intensive mining operations that have fueled thestate’s economy for 80 years and continue to do so today.

The Norfolk and Western Railroad’s Ohio Extensionwas completed in 1892. It was built expressly for the pur-pose of opening up the rich Pocahontas coal field insoutheastern West Virginia. This rich coal seam pro-duced a fuel highly prized by America’s industries.

Many of West Virginia’s most renowned and colorfulhistorical figures are associated with the rail industry.Collis P. Huntington, H. H. Rogers, Henry GassawayDavis and Stephen Benton Elkins all built and expandedthe railroad system and brought prosperity and develop-ment to the state.

Many states have a strong railroad historical past, buttoday they are just memories.

Not so in West Virginia. The state has preserved itsrailroad heritage, and there are many excursion opportu-nities to experience the rails today.Present Day Rail Excursions

The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad offers twohistoric depots and four excursion trains.

In historic Durbin, you have the opportunity to rideand experience the sights and sounds of one of the mostunique steam locomotives in existence.

The Durbin Rocket Excursion Train is powered by OldNo. 3, one of only three operating Climax geared logginglocomotives on earth. This 55-ton antique was built in1910 for the Moore-Keppel Lumber Co. in nearbyRandolph County. Today you can ride in an authentic1920s caboose behind Old No. 3 as she pushes and whis-tles her way along the free-flowing Greenbrier River innorthern Pocahontas County. Your ride covers 10.5 mileson a two-hour round trip and offers many beautiful riverand mountain views in the Monongahela NationalForest.

For schedules and additional information, contact theDurbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad Inc., 315 RailroadAve., Elkins, WV 26241. 877-686-7245. www.mountainrail.com

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Steam engines power the Durbin & Green-brier Railroad. Photo courtesy DGVR.

New Tygart FlyerThis smooth climate-controlled passenger train offers

one of the most exciting mountain wilderness excursionrides in the country.

The four-hour, 46-mile round trip starts in Elkins andfeatures two separate mountain grades, an “S” curve tun-nel, passage into a 1,500-foot deep canyon with steepdensely forested slopes, and crossing the rushingShavers Fork of the Cheat River. Mountain Explorer Premier Dinner Train

Train travel and and dining have been one of the greatpleasures enjoyed by previous generations of Americans.As faster modes of transportation evolved, the magnifi-cent long-distance passenger trains began to disappear,thus bringing to a close the era of dining car service.

However, many who remember this time in historystill visualize the romantic notions evoked by the unusu-al combination of dining while gliding effortlessly pasttowns and rivers, accompanied by the rhythmic melodyof the rails. The four-hour journey will highlight fresh-cooked, four course gourmet meals prepared inside acompletely restored dining car and served enroute by thefood service professionals from the Railyard Restaurant.

Cheat Mountain Salamander Welcome to one of the most distinctive rail excursions

in the eastern United States. Named in honor of the littleendangered creature whose sole habitat is the river of thesame name, the Cheat Mountain Salamander takes youthrough some of the wildest mountain wilderness youwill ever experience.

This 6.5-hour ride transports you through mile-after-mile of unbroken, untamed mountain wilderness that hasremained unchanged since the time before modern civi-lization arrived. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

Once used to haul logs in the bustling lumber town ofCass, the specially designed Shay steam locomotivestoday take passengers up steep grades and past breath-taking views of mountain scenery to Whittaker Station,Bald Knob and Spruce Run.

A special “railfan” weekend previews the season inmid-May, with the regular public schedule (availableupon request) from Memorial Day weekend throughOctober. During the operating season, a dinner trainseries and other special events are offered.www.cassrailroad.com

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Specially designed Shay steam locomotives take passengers up steep gradeson the Cass Scenic Railroad. Photo courtesy Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.

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Click for Video

The Potomac Eagle rounds abend in West Virginia. Photocourtesy Potomac Eagle and

©Mike Smith.

36 • Byways

Castaway Caboose Two original Wabash Railroad cabooses have been

refurbished into efficiency suites on rails. Overnightpackages include a round-trip fare on the Durbin Rocketsteam train, where you will be “castaway” at the remoteHevener Station picnic area, located several miles fromthe modern world.

In this secluded wilderness setting, along theGreenbrier River you will spend the evening with onlythe rushing waters of the river. At the end of your stay thetrain will pull your caboose back to Durbin.Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

Enjoy a 3.5-hour narrated trip that winds through idyl-lic pastures filled with native flowers, past farms datingfrom the early 1700s, and through the visually strikingriver gorge known as The Trough.

Thrill to the sight of American bald eagles soaring highabove their natural habitat along the South Branch of thePotomac River. Open window coach or Classic Clubseating is available. First Class seating includes a mealserved in an air-conditioned club car. Schedule:Saturdays, May through September, and daily in Octoberfor fall color. www.potomaceagle.info

New River Train Excursions In cooperation with Amtrak, the Collis P. Huntington

Railroad Historical Society operates a series of specialfall foliage tours through the scenic New River Gorge,“the Grand Canyon of the East.” Locomotives and amixture of Amtrak and privately owned Amtrak-approved horizon coaches, lounges, parlor cars, domecars and open platform cars make up the trains.

The tour originates in Huntington, makes stops in St.Albans and Montgomery to board passengers, and pass-es through the 65-mile long New River Gorge NationalRiver and under the New River Gorge Bridge.

Last stop for the trip is historic Hinton for a delightfulRailroad Days street fair, which features local foodbooths, arts and crafts, a railroad museum and otherattractions. Other excursions offered throughout the yearinclude trips to the Greenbrier, New York, Washington,DC or Philadelphia.

For information, contact the Collis P. HuntingtonRailroad Historical Society, Inc. Call 304-523-0364 or866-639-7487.www.newrivertrain.comE-mail: CPHRRHS@aol.com

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Thurmond. Located inside the New River Gorge National River, this historiccoal town was once only accessible by rail, boasts a restored depot (used as avisitors center), restored bank and store fronts that you visit by walking up be-side the tracks. Photo courtesy Visit Southern West Virginia.

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History Restoredin Strasburg

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A Strasburg Rail Road steam engine pulls the train through the cornfieldsof Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy Strasburg Rail Road.

Steam in the snow in Strasburg. Photos courtesy Strasburg Rail Road.

40 • Byways

Click for Video

Strolling through the historic East Strasburg Stationand the neighboring town of Strasburg, PA, explor-ing the engines and rail cars up-close and riding

beautifully restored trains are such a wonderful experi-ence you’ll almost forget that you’re immersed in a rich-ly educational experience -- learning about steamrailroading, agriculture,  Amish culture and PA Dutchheritage.

The larger-than-life coal-burning steam train is just thebeginning. Ride the Pint-Sized Pufferbelly, a miniatureversion; operate a hand-powered Pump Car or watch thelittle ones “steer” the pint-sized Cranky Car. Browse theThomas™ Toy Store. Discover an amazing railroadbookstore and railfan shop filled with apparel and mer-chandise. 

Don’t forget to bring your appetite. You can enjoyfood, drinks and entertainment while riding aboardStrasburg Rail Road, or grab a bite at the TracksideCafé. 

Across the road is the  Railroad Museum ofPennsylvania, where you can explore a world-class col-lection of more than 100 locomotives and rail cars ondisplay, including the priceless Pennsylvania RailroadHistorical Collection. And nearby is the  National ToyTrain Museum -- another world-class collection.Strasburg Rail Road Yesterday

Founded in 1832, the Strasburg Rail Road is celebrat-ing its 184th Anniversary of its railroad charter this year.Precisely when the railroad first turned a wheel is still amatter of patient research, but the earliest timetablefound to date indicates Strasburg trains were scheduled

as of December 1851.On February 22, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln

made a stop at Leaman Place on his inaugural train ride,en route to Lancaster. His four-minute visit brought near-ly 5,000 people out to cheer for the President and Mrs.Lincoln.

To prepare for the President’s visit, Strasburg RailRoad had purchased their first passenger car, which ranon a special train to transport people to and from LeamanPlace.

First used for passenger and freight transportation, therailroad’s main purpose became a freight interchangewith the Pennsylvania Railroad. Following World WarII, improved highway transportation decreased the needfor the railroad. By the mid 1950s, the Strasburg RailRoad was nearing the end of its usefulness. In 1957,destruction of the tracks caused by a series of stormsplaced an immediate embargo on the carload freight. Theowners were unwilling to invest in the necessary repairs.

Byways • 41A Hobo meal is available in the dining car.

Wine and Cheese

A Second ChanceWhile petitions for abandonment were being consid-

ered, Henry K. Long, an industrialist and railfan fromnearby Lancaster, along with Donald E. L. Hallock,another enthusiastic railfan with a vision, formed agroup of interested individuals to save the railroad. Withperseverance and a creative idea, the Strasburg RailRoad was saved.

After repairing the worst spots on the four-and-a-halfmile track, the owners began acquiring an inventory ofhistoric locomotives and passenger cars from all acrossNorth America. Using the old feed mill as a station, theambitious band of “rail barons” opened the railroad tovisitors in 1958. This year marks the 58th anniversary ofStrasburg Rail Road as a tourist railroad.

Today the Strasburg Rail Road has five workingsteam engines and 17 operating passenger cars, includ-ing the President’s Car, First-Class Parlor Car andDining Car.

As we look back at their labor of love, the StrasburgRail Road is one of Lancaster County’s most populartourist attractions -- and recognized as one of America’smost significant examples of early 20th century rail-roading.www.strasburgrailroad.com

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Day Out With Thomas. Thomas makes periodic visits tothe Strasburg Rail Road throughout the year. Photo byJoe Osciak, courtesy Strasburg Rail Road.

All Aboard!

Strasburg Rail Road and Hollywood

Strasburg Rail Road is no stranger toHollywood.  Since the 1950s, America’s old-est short-line railroad has been called upon toproduce and provide equipment for the silverscreen.  The following films have utilizedcoach cars and locomotives from StrasburgRail Road’s rolling stock.

•Raintree Country (1956) staringElizabeth Taylor

•Hello, Dolly (1969) staring BarbaraStreisand and Walter Matthau.

•Gaily, Gaily (1969) staring BeauBridges and Hume Cronyn.

•Thomas and the Magic Railroad(1999).

•Wild, Wild West (1999) staring WillSmith and Kevin Kline.

•Men Who Built America (2012)History Channel mini-series.

The Great Train Robbery.Photos courtesy Strasburg Rail Road.

The ornate Parlor Car on the Strasburg Rail Road.

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44 • Byways

CityArchRiver Circulation Loop Rendering.Photo courtesy CityArchRiver.© St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission.

Byways • 45

It’s Time For Your NextGreat St. Louis Adventure

Click for Video

If you haven’t been to St. Louis lately, then you needto take a look at this exciting destination filled withone-of-a-kind attractions, restaurants, shops and

adventures that will have you coming back for more. St. Louis is a place where history and imagination col-

lide, and it is currently undergoing an amazing transfor-mation with more than $5 billion of investment in itstourism infrastructure with more projects on the way,including the massive $380 million CityArchRiver proj-ect that is transforming the grounds surrounding theiconic Gateway Arch.CityArchRiver

The development known as CityArchRiver, designedby world-renowned landscape architecture firm MichaelVan Valkenburgh Associates, is scheduled for comple-tion in 2017. A new park built over the lanes of Interstate44 will connect the Arch grounds directly to downtownSt. Louis’ central business and tourism district and willprovide a pleasant and safe green space for pedestrianswalking to the monument from the historic OldCourthouse, downtown hotels and the America’s CenterConvention Complex.46 • Byways

Just north of Busch Stadium, Ballpark Villageis the first master-planned development designed around a new MLB ballpark. The$100 million first phase of Ballpark Villagerepresents one of the top restaurant and entertainment districts in the region.

Photo courtesy Dan Donovan.© St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission.

Brew House. Photo courtesy McElroy Fine Art Photography.© St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission.

A new underground-glass entrancewill feature natural lighting and face thepark over the highway. This west-facingentry plaza will give visitors an easierway to enter the Gateway Arch and itsMuseum of Westward Expansion. Thepark site will increase with 11 new acres,a renovated historic Old Courthouse andan expanded Museum of WestwardExpansion, exploring America’s westernjourney and the important role St. Louisand its people played in the growth of theUnited States.

With the new space beneath the Arch, groups will havethe opportunity to use the museum as an off-site venuefor events and performances. Guests can ride the eleva-tors to the top of the nation’s tallest man-made monu-ment for 30-mile views of St. Louis and the MississippiRiver. Outside on the Arch’s park grounds more than fivemiles of new paths are under development along withadditional green space and bike-friendly lanes to encour-age activity in the park and along the Mississippi River.Feelin’ the Blues

When we say, “St. Louis has the blues,” we mean it.The National Blues Museum opens April 2 to pay tributeto the musicians who created America’s roots music andSt. Louis’ signature sound. Located next door to the

America’s Center convention complex in the heart ofdowntown, the new museum is supported by living leg-ends including musician Buddy Guy, Robert Cray,Devon Allman, Denise LaSalle, Derek Trucks and actorJohn Goodman, a St. Louis native with a deep love forhis city’s music. A theatre for musical performances, arti-facts, interactive exhibits and exciting programmingbring the blues music experience to life at the new muse-um.

Anheuser-Busch and Ballpark Village A stop in St. Louis must include a visit to the King of

Beers. The Anheuser-Busch brewery tour is a must-seefor beer lovers and families and guests can learn the his-tory of the iconic brewing company and see the world-

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St. Louis welcomes streetcars back toDelmar Boulevard in 2016. Photo courtesyNathan Shroeder. © St. Louis Convention& Visitors Commission.

renowned Budweiser Clydesdales. Withthree national historic landmarks alongthe tour route, there’s history and evenfree samples (for adults) at the end of thetour. When you’re finished with your St.Louis beer education, head to BallparkVillage to learn more about Cardinals’Nation. Opened in 2014, Ballpark Villageis a slice of Cardinals’ baseball historyand its future. Located across the streetfrom Busch Stadium, this venue offersrestaurants, nightlife, live entertainmentand even the Cardinals’ Hall of Fame! City Museum

There is always something new at CityMuseum. Imagined, conceived and builtby a team of wildly creative designers andartists, City Museum stretches the defini-tion of “museum” to new and exhilaratingdimensions. Three floors of eclectic expe-riences include a multi-level enchantedforest, giant aquarium, museum of sal-

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The National Blues Museum opens in April to pay tributeto the musicians who created America’s roots music andSt. Louis’ signature sound. Photo courtesy National BluesMuseum. © St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission.

Ballpark Village Interior. Photo courtesy Ballpark Village.© St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission.

vaged architectural orna-ments, glass blowers,weavers, painters and pottersin action, a circus, museumoddities and much more.You won’t want to miss thefive-story-tall slides and theMonstro City outdoor play-ground. This is not just forkids! The Best of Route 66

Getting your kicks on his-toric Route 66 has never beenmore fun as the MissouriHistory Museum opens anew exhibitcelebratingthe MotherRoad with“Route 66:Main StreetThrough St.L o u i s ”opening on

June 25. The exhibition tells storiesabout the sights along the road, includ-ing no-tell motels, frozen custardstands and amusing tourist traps. Gaspumps, roadside signs and other arti-facts will be on display. The exhibitionruns through February 12, 2017, butsights along the America’s highway arealways open in St. Louis.Ding-Ding-Ding Went the Bell

The clang-clang-clang of the trolleywill be heard in St. Louis once again asThe Loop neighborhood welcomes his-toric streetcars back to DelmarBoulevard in 2016. The trolleys ran on

this street until 1966 when the nation’s car culturebrought them to an end. Today’s trolleys will connectpassengers to two MetroLink stations and carry them 2.2miles along The Loop’s restaurants, gift shops, musicclubs and the St. Louis Walk of Fame. Turning ontoDeBaliviere, the historic trolleys will proceed toward theMissouri History Museum and the entrance to ForestPark and its attractions before returning passengers toThe Loop.

To start your next great St. Louis adventure, visitwww.explorestlouis.com and make your plans today tocreate lifelong memories in the Gateway City.

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The City Museum was born of the vision of several creativeartists where a mix of history, science and whimsy awaitsthe curious. Photo courtesy McElroy Fine Art PhotographyCopyright © St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission.

This year is an especially important year forWashington on the Brazos State Historic Site: notonly is it the 180th anniversary of the signing of

the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico in1836 at Washington on the Brazos, but it is also the statepark’s 100th birthday. 

It was March 2, 1836 when 59 delegates bravely metin Washington, Texas to make a formal declaration ofindependence from Mexico.  From 1836 until 1846, theRepublic of Texas proudly existed as a separate nation. 

To commemorate the 180th anniversary of TexasIndependence, the three entities that administer and sup-port this site -- Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept (TPWD),Blinn College and Washington on the Brazos State ParkAssociation -- are planning some Texas-sized celebra-tions. 

“Texas Independence Day Celebration” (TIDC) is anannual two-day celebration held the first weekend inMarch on the expansive 293-acre park grounds and itsthree incredible attractions: Independence Hall (replicaof the site where representatives wrote the TexasDeclaration of Independence); Star of the RepublicMuseum (collections and programs honoring history ofearly Texans, administered by Blinn College); andBarrington Living History Farm  (where interpretersdress, work and farm as did the original residents of thishomestead).  

The birthday celebration features live music, food, tra-ditional crafts, living history presentations, historicalencampments and commemorative programs so guestscan experience life in Texas in 1836. 

The Star of the Republic Museum at Washington onthe Brazos will celebrate the 180th anniversary with itsnew exhibit “A Legacy of Leadership: The Signers of theTexas Declaration of Independence.”  Elected as dele-gates to the Constitutional Convention in 1836, thesemen determined the future of Texas. Amongst them were12 lawyers, five physicians, four surveyors and three

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Independence Anniversary in Texas

Independence Hall. Where Texas Became Texas.Photos courtesy Washington on the Brazos State Park.

Star of the Republic Museum

Click for Video

each of planters, empresarios and merchants. The exhib-it will focus on their roles as leaders and includes per-sonal artifacts such as Sam Maverick’s buckskins, acameo of Michel Menard, oil portraits of Stephen Blountand his wife, and many other items. 

The Museum will also preview its new PioneerPlayroom which will simulate a Texas frontier home-stead, with inside and outside features. It will allow chil-dren to immerse themselves in the role of pioneersthrough role-playing, interactive experiences and a vari-ety of learning styles such as loading a covered wagon;dressing in period clothing; or building a log cabin.

Other events and programs throughout the 180thanniversary year are being finalized at the seven historicsites associated with the TexasR e v o l u t i o n :

Gonzales,San Felipe, San Antonio

Missions, the Alamo, Washington on the Brazos,Goliad and San Jacinto Monument.Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site: 

This TPWD-run state park has many onsite amenitiesopen daily, as well as an incredible schedule of eventsand programs.  On-site attractions include IndependenceHall, the Star of the Republic Museum and BarringtonLiving History Farm.  The site’s Visitor Center featuresinteractive exhibits which present a timeline of the TexasRevolution and highlight the historic attractions located

within the park. It also houses the spacious WashingtonEmporium Gift Shop, which offers snacks and a widerange of Texas-themed items and keepsakes.  

The Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site is an authentical-ly preserved example of a 19th century stagecoach inn,located nearby in Anderson, TX.   Entrance to the parkgrounds, Visitor Center and parking is always free.

The expansive park grounds along the Brazos Riveralso provide a beautiful setting for picnicking, sightsee-ing and bird watching, as well as four geocaching sites,two each from TPWD and the Brenham/WashingtonCounty Chamber and CVB.  It also featuresa Conference Center

f o rmeetings, weddings and

reunions. The Education Center with two class-room-style spaces is perfect for smaller groups.

Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site is locat-ed on the Brazos River at the original townsite ofWashington, Texas, a major political and commercialcenter in early Texas.  It is located at 23400 Park Road12, Washington, TX, 77880, approximately halfwaybetween Brenham and Navasota, off of State Hwy. 105.  

Updates on all the festivities, including TIDC and the180th celebrations, are continually posted atwww.wheretexasbecametexas.org; the public can con-tact office@wheretexasbecametexas.org or 936-878-2214 for more information.

What’s HappeningWhat’s Happening

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Barrington Living History Farm

52 • Byways

Byways is published bi-monthly by Byways, Inc. and distributed electronically throughout North America.Byways is emailed to more than 4000 tour operators /Travel Trade through the Internet. Subscriptions are compli-mentary. An iPad & iPhone version is available for consumers in iTunes in the App Store. An Android browserversion is available at www.issuu.com/byways.

Byways’ distribution includes motorcoach companies, tour operators, selected travel agents, bank travel man-agers, school band and athletic planners, meeting planners and the travel trade. For advertising rates, editorial dead-lines, or to place advertising insertions, contact: Byways Magazine at 502-785-4875.

©Copyright 2016 by Byways, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be duplicated in anyform without express written permission of the publisher.

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Advertising Director502-785-4875

Internetbywaysmagazine.com byways@motorcoach.com

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Barbourville & Knox County Visitor Center, Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Bedford Visitor Center, Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Brenham/Washington County, Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Byways Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau, Nebraska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Lynchburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

PA Dutch Hotels, Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Randolph County, West Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau, Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Silverado Casino/Franklin Hotel, South Dakota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

United States Naval Academy Visitor Center, Maryland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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