Historic Steam Passenger Train to Visit Area

Martinsville-Henry County will be a scenic highlight for passengers traveling on a rail excursion this weekend. The trip is part of 21st Century Steam program, which brings historic steam locomotives from the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) in Chattanooga, to communities along Norfolk Southern lines for display and excursions.

On Sunday, more than 250 passengers will enjoy a one-way rail excursion from Winston-Salem, North Carolina to Roanoke, Virginia passing through Martinsville-Henry County.  The train is scheduled to be powered by an ex-Southern Railway 2-8-0 #630 built in 1904 and recently restored to service by TVRM in Chattanooga.

According to the TVRM the train is not permitted to make stops during the excursion due to safety regulations and time allotments; however, the trip organizer has agreed to work with the Martinsville-Henry County EDC's Tourism Division to pass out copies of the Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Guides and pens to each passenger as a small welcome gift.

Volunteers with The Greater Bassett Area Community, Inc., which organize the Bassett Community Market are inviting the public to come out and see the historic engine and greet the passengers as it passes by.

The market at the historic Bassett Train Depot, which typically is open on Thursdays, will be open especially for the train excursion on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Vendors with fresh fruits & vegetables, homemade baked goods, and handmade crafts will be on-site in addition to live music. 

The #630 train is expected to pass by the depot between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.; the public is encouraged to bring signs and flags to greet the passengers as they pass through our community.

According to Jennifer Doss, director of tourism for Martinsville-Henry County, "This is a historic occasion for our community and an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty that Martinsville-Henry County has to offer. We are pleased to partner with the TVRM to get area information to the passengers so that they may plan return visits to Martinsville-Henry County."

For additional information on the Bassett Community Market, contact Ruby or Matt Davis at 276.252.3591.