Ed Trask’s steam train mural side-by-side a modern CSX locomotive
Picture this: a traveler on I-95 passes a highway sign before the Ashland exit that reads, “The Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park”. Whether it is because of genuine curiosity or the squirming children in the back seat, the traveler takes the Ashland exit and makes her way into our town. As it’s envisioned, the Park will be hard to miss because its railroad history exhibits will create a walking tour through Downtown Ashland.
“Once completed, the Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park will welcome visitors to stroll through the historic district and enjoy an exciting variety of sights and exhibits,” explains Dan Bartges, a Downtown Ashland Association volunteer who originally proposed the idea of creating the Park.
Video explanation of the project
Exhibits will include a 1923 train station, an authentically restored 1926 red caboose, Hanover County Black Heritage Society exhibit, the Ashland Museum, America’s longest railroad mural, special presentations about major railroad inventions and innovations, and of course the more than 60 mighty freight and passenger trains traveling the East Coast's main rail artery through the heart of downtown. Special exhibits will include 19th and 20th century advances in locomotive engines, Eli Janney’s knuckle coupler and the revolutionary wheel truck, or “bogie”.
Downtown Ashland, with its quaint and quirky charms, already draws visitors to stroll by the shops and restaurants along the railroad tracks and to cross over between the quaint railroad station and the swathe of green that begins Randolph-Macon College’s campus. The Railroad Park project promises to enhance its setting, to spur economic growth and vitality for the community, and to attract more boutiques, shops and restaurants.
Ashland Train Station
“The important thing about the Railroad Park is that it be community-led,” said Maggie Longest, executive director of Downtown Ashland Association, the local non-profit spearheading the project. “The Community Stakeholder Committee responsible for development of the Park’s exhibits and content represents individuals from all segments of our town. The Park will share our local story alongside the legendary saga of America’s railroads, because the two are interlinked.”
“The project’s purpose is two-fold,” explains Tom Wulf, a videographer and tireless Downtown Ashland Association volunteer who has spent many hours helping to develop the project. “First, it's intended to vividly portray the immense social and economic contributions of American railroads, both past and present, through the unique lens of Ashland’s extensive railroad history. And second, to invite visitors and local residents to more fully enjoy Downtown Ashland, to visit shops and restaurants, and to feel a sense of our unique community.”
The Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park’s eight exhibits will be located within easy walking distance of each other, mostly along Railroad Avenue and England Street. When it opens, the attraction will be managed by the Town of Ashland, free to the public year round and include interactive exhibits and an app to further enhance the tour.
Rendering of a Railroad Park exhibit
Recently, the Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park project was offered a $50,000 matching grant from the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation to spur construction of the Park. The Foundation will match donations from individuals, organizations and businesses up to $50,000, but only if Ashland raises the matching amount by November 30, 2020.
"In a town with such a unique culture, bringing to life an important piece of our history can create a lasting attraction for everyone,” adds Maggie Longest. “And the key to making the Railroad Park a reality is for our community to match the grant. Donations of any amount are welcome.”
To learn more about Ashland’s efforts to create the Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park and how individuals and businesses can help, go to ashlandvirginia.com/railroad.