Train trips to offer glimpses into Central Appalachian culture, history; states hope it boosts tourism

21st Century steam train (Tennessee Valley Railroad)

Eastern Kentucky, southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia have been hit hard in with the loss of coal jobs, high rates of unemployment and poverty, and a economy that has continued to struggle despite numerous attempts to find means of improvement. Officials in all three states hope to boost the economy by offering visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the region during a a two-day journey on a train trip through the three states, Russ Cassady reports for the Appalachian News-Express in Pikeville, Ky.

The trip, which is scheduled to leave from Grundy, Va., on April 12 and reach in Devon, W.Va., on April 13, is part of the Tennessee Valley Railroad's 21st Century Steam Program spring excursion schedule. Nine trips are scheduled, beginning March 29 with a day trip from Chattanooga, Tenn., to Attalla, Ala., and ending June 7 with a trip from Chattanooga to Stearns, Ky.

The Grundy-to-Devon itinerary will have two trips each day, allowing a total of 2,000 people to ride, Cassady writes. Charles Carlton, director of energy and community development in Pike County, Kentucky, "said there are several points of interest for potential visitors — including the connection to the Hatfield and McCoy feud, an opportunity to see coal mining and also the historic nature of the passenger rail trip, which at one time was common in the area," Cassady writes. "Riders will also get to see another angle of Clintwood Elkhorn’s preparation plant, giving an insight into the coal mining industry" and they "will get to pass through two tunnels, and will also cross the Tug and Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River as it travels through the three states."

Pike County Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford "said the possible benefits to the area are tremendous and that each community that is connected to the trip has a chance to capitalize," Cassady writes. "Hotels in all three counties, officials said, are working to provide packages to visitors who come in for the rail excursion."

Pike County Tourism Director Tony Tackett told Cassady: "Our big goal is a two-night package. If they’re here on Friday evening to catch the train on Saturday morning, then have activities later Saturday afternoon and evening, then, of course, Sunday — Hatfield and McCoy tours . . . crafts out in your hotel lobbies, people selling their wares, getting that Appalachian feel. They know us, but they don’t know us. Every community needs to be displaying your arts and your crafts and your Appalachian culture, whether it’s music in the foyer of the Hilton Garden Inn early that evening . . . you’ve got to cater to these people because we need them again.” Tickets have not yet gone on sale. (Read more)