Clinch River Railroad

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Clinchfield Railroad

Clinch River Railroad – Clinchfield Predecessor

Researched and Chronicled by Scott Jessee

As the United States recovered from the Civil War, railroads were being built all across the country to reach natural resources, industrial areas, and provide transportation for citizens. FRED Economic Research Data reported during the 1880 decade 76,442 miles of railroad were built in the United States. Southwest Virginia, East Tennessee, and Western North Carolina locales and businessmen did (or attempted to do) their part. On March 6, 1886 the Clinch River Railroad charter was approved. A local Russell, Scott, and Washington County, Virginia consortium spearheaded the efforts.

Russell County VA

Russell County was represented by William B. Aston and Dale Carter Stuart. Mr. Aston, a lawyer by trade, at one time was Wise County Commonwealth Attorney but lived in Russell County where he maintained a farm. Dale Carter Stuart was a partner in a cattle company, Buckhorn Coal, and First National Bank of Lebanon. Most Virginia historians recognize his brother, Henry C. Stuart ex-Virginia governor and head of the Stuart Land & Cattle Company. The brothers shared a famous uncle, CSA General J. E. B. Stuart.

Scott County VA

Scott County was represented by Rufus A. Ayres who was a lawyer, businessman, and served one term as Attorney General of Virginia. Mr. Ayres was a participating founder of Virginia Iron Coal & Coke and associated with other coal companies, banks, and newspapers. Mr. Ayres’ mansion now houses the Southwest Virginia Museum at Big Stone Gap, Va.

Washington County

Washington County had four board members. James C. Greenway was a prominent and well-known Abingdon, Va merchant. Mr. Greenway’s brother in law Thomas Preston Trigg had vast interests in coal fields and other businesses, At the time of his 1921 death Mr. Trigg was Commonwealth Coal Corporation’s president. Abram Fulkerson a VMI graduate was a partner in Bristol’s well-known York and Fulkerson law firm. While attending VMI he was a student of T. J. Jackson. Most of us know him as “Stonewall” Jackson. George V. Litchfield, Junior was involved with numerous enterprises and formerly owned coal lands that became part of Virginia Iron Coal & Coke. Mr. Litchfield was a cousin to his Russell County partner, Dale Carter Stuart.

Surveys and Route

Oramel Barrett was named Clinch River Railroad’s chief engineer. In 1882 Mr. Barrett was Norfolk & Cincinnati Railway’s Chief Engineer with a Marion, VA office and had completed several Southwest Virginia surveys. After his Clinch River Railroad stint Barrett was affiliated with the Chattanooga & Virginia and John D. Imboden was the president. Clinch River Railroad’s intentions were to construct/operate a narrow or broad gauge railroad near the Clinch River in Russell County to Speers Ferry, VA. Branch lines were not to be over fifteen miles long. The railroad anticipated building a Speers Ferry connection with the N&W at Goodson (Bristol) or Abingdon. Work was to commence within five years of the act.

Proposed Business Plan

As with most business endeavors the intentions are to make a train load of money. Fifty-one miles of main track railroad would provide some revenue. There were small coal outcroppings from Burtons Ford to Bangor and plenty of lumber could be harvested from Cleveland, VA to Speers Ferry. The group however were eyeing those 15 mile branch lines for revenue. A recap of possible branch lines and subsequent owners in parenthesis:

  • 1. Kiser/Carbo coal fields (CC&O and in later years N&W)
  • 2. Dante Straight and Bear Wallow (Lick Creek & Lake Erie)
  • 3. St. Paul to Virginia City (N&W)
  • 4. Guest River Gorge to Toms Creek (Interstate RR)
  • 5. Fort Blackmore for lumber and small coal outcroppings. (CC&O)

The Clinch River Railroad intended to use its Speers Ferry connection to the Norfolk & Western as its outlet. During this time, the South Atlantic and Ohio Railroad was building from Bristol towards Speers Ferry. Most likely the Clinch River Railroad would had used Speers Ferry as an interchange instead of building its own line.

Competitors Emerge – 3Cs and N&W

Unfortunately for the Clinch River Railroad, two other entities emerged upon the scene intending to use the banks of the Clinch River. The Charleston, Cincinnati, and Chicago Railroad led by General John T. Wilder envisioned a railroad connecting the Midwest with the Southeast. In 1886 N&W’s Frederick Kimball announced plans to build a Bluefield WV to Norton extension.

Clinch River Railroad Demise

Often when railroads vie for the same territory, lawsuits ensued. I cannot see the Clinch River Railroad losing any lawsuit with its legal and political connections. Financially they probably concluded the fledgling railroad could not compete with the 3Cs or the N&W. I was unable to find any information that suggested the Clinch River Railroad did any construction. I did discover 1889 Scott and Russell County deeds where Clinch River Railroad sold property to the 3Cs.

Clinchfield.org Sources and Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the Clinchfield Railroad. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Clinchfield.org. Much of the content on the website is verified across multiple sources.

Clinchfield Railroad

Contact Us at Clinchfield.org

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3Cs Websites

Appalachian-Railroads.org | Clinchfield.org | Southern-Railroads.org