— America's Byways —— Coal Heritage Trail — National Coal Heritage Area —

With massive amounts of coal now being shipped from the region, the Elmore rail
yard was soon built, where most of the coal that traveled along the Virginian ended
up before heading to the Virginia coast for shipment. The rugged terrain between
the Elmore Yard and Clarks Gap was a challenge for the locomotives as they started
their journey to the coast. In order to conquer the steep grade, the world's largest
locomotives were used. In 1925, the Virginian eased the burden by electrifying the
rails between Mullens and Roanoke, Virginia. This move brought even more growth
to Mullens as all the Virginian electric locomotives were serviced here.

In 1959, the Virginian merged with the Norfolk and Western
Railway. In 1982, Norfolk & Western merged with the Southern
Railway forming the Norfolk Southern Railway. Muliens and the
surrounding area continued to change and grow with the railroad
over the years. The area residents show great pride in the railroad
heritage that shaped so many of their lives.

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Mullens
Mullens Historic District
The Virginian Arrives
Itmann Company Store
Mullens
Virginian Railway Motor Barn
Virginian Railway Station
Mullens
Itmann
Raleigh County / Wyoming County

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