Davis 61.71 Thaxton Train Wreck
Train wreck on the Norfolk and Western railroad. Twenty one wounded and the number of killed unknown, as the records were destroyed. Man in foreground unidentified
George C. Davis Photography
Roanoke Public Libraries
2 July 1889
Please contact the Virginia Room at 540.853.2073 for permission to use.
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Davis61.71
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On July 2, 1889, a night storm swelled Wolf Creek near Thaxton, Virginia, which rose out of its banks just as passenger train No. 2 was crossing. The situation became N&W's first major disaster. There was only one survivor, trainmaster James Cassell, who was swept along by the current but managed to cling to a tree until rescued.
unknown
Images of Rail: Norfolk and Western Railway by Nelson Harris
2 July 1889
Nelson Harris; Virginia Museum of Transportation
Please contact the Virginia Room at 540.853.2073 for permission to use.
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A closer view of the Thaxton wreck shows the debris pile. Engineer Pat Donovan's body was so badly mangled he was only identified by his clothing. The entire woodwork of the train was burned due to exploding gas lights in the coaches. Seven cars were destroyed and six employees and eleven passengers lost their lives. Engine No. 43 is handing the wreck car.
unknown
Images of Rail: Norfolk and Western Railway by Nelson Harris
2 July 1889
Nelson Harris; Virginia Museum of Transportation
Please contact the Virginia Room at 540.853.2073 for permission to use.
Digital tiff
Still Image
HNWR100