With the Rockfish Capital of the World title established, Weldon is now going to look at honoring its rich rail history.
Documentation in its National Register of Historic Places data shows that some have termed Weldon the Railroad Capital of the World, based on its past history, Mayor Julia Meacham said at tonight’s board meeting, reading the text.
Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of Union Station, the building that is currently home to the public library, Meacham said.
The first efforts to honor the town’s rail history will be simple, she told the board. A kiosk with information from the National Register documentation will be placed at the caboose between the library and the First Media Radio building. Inside the caboose, several photos will be mounted so they can’t be tampered with. “In the fall when we have a festival, we hope to honor the fish and the trains,” the mayor said.
The caboose.
Photos to be used in the caboose will be one from 1880, a photo of a steam engine and one of Union Station. “I think it will be interesting to locals as well as the tourists that come here to add to the history of Weldon.”
Weldon’s railroad history dates back to 1830 and by 1855 five rail companies operated lines to and through Weldon.
The freight depot, which is now home to First Media, is the oldest railroad building in North Carolina, built around 1840. Its size was doubled in 1881. Weldon was also considered the Lifeline of the Confederacy during the Civil War.
The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad embankment built around 1911 has been described as one of North Carolina’s most impressive railroad structures.
Today, the documentation says, 54 Amtrak and CSX freight cars pass overhead in Weldon.
In other matters tonight the town board:
Passed a resolution opposing the tolling of Interstate 95. The resolution is similar to the ones other jurisdictions have passed.
Were told by Meacham the town’s annual Roanoke River Grand Slam Tournament Series begins Saturday at 8 a.m. with the Shad Shootout.
