Virginia Museum of Transportation

Step into the world of transportation history at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, Virginia. This captivating museum, located in the heart of downtown Roanoke, is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the evolution of transportation. From the early days of horse-drawn carriages to the modern marvels of aviation and railroads, the museum offers a comprehensive journey through the history of human mobility.

A Journey Through Time: The Museum's History

The Virginia Museum of Transportation has a storied history that dates back to 1963 when it was originally established as the Roanoke Transportation Museum in Wasena Park. Initially housed in an old Norfolk & Western Railway freight depot, the museum's early collection included a United States Army Jupiter rocket and the iconic J class steam locomotive No. 611, a donation from Norfolk & Western to the city of Roanoke. Over the years, the museum expanded its collection to include a variety of rail equipment and horse-drawn vehicles, such as a DC Transit PCC streetcar and a Studebaker wagon.

In November 1985, a devastating flood damaged the museum and much of its collection. However, the museum's resilience shone through, and by April 1986, it re-opened at the former Norfolk & Western Railway Freight Station in downtown Roanoke. Recognized by the General Assembly of Virginia as the Commonwealth's official transportation museum, this new location provided a fresh start and a renewed commitment to preserving transportation history.

In 2012, the Norfolk & Western Railway Freight Station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, further cementing the museum's significance. The station itself, completed in 1918, consists of two distinct sections: a two-story, 50-bay freight station built parallel to the railroad tracks and a one-story brick annex that once housed the offices of the Shenandoah and Radford divisions of the Norfolk & Western. The building closed for railroad freight business in 1964, but its legacy lives on through the museum's exhibits.

Exploring the Galleries and Exhibits

The Virginia Museum of Transportation is home to a diverse range of galleries and exhibits that cater to all interests. The Automobile Gallery showcases a stunning collection of automobiles from the early 20th century to the present day. Here, visitors can marvel at antique cars and learn about the evolution of automotive technology. The Driving Lessons exhibit features oral histories from individuals associated with car culture, adding a personal touch to the experience.

The museum's Railroad Exhibits are a must-see for train enthusiasts. These exhibits cover various aspects of railroad life in America, with a particular focus on Virginia. The Claytor Brothers exhibit delves into the lives of Graham and Robert Claytor, whose efforts led to the merger of the Norfolk & Western and Southern Railways. The From Cotton to Silk exhibit highlights the often-overlooked contributions of African American railroad workers on the Norfolk & Western and Norfolk Southern Railways. Through pictures, artifacts, and recorded interviews, this exhibit sheds light on their invaluable roles.

Step back in time with the Big Lick exhibit, which recreates a 1930s rural train depot complete with freight scales, a telegrapher's office, timetables, and a velocipede handcar used for servicing tracks. Additionally, the museum maintains an O scale train layout modeled after Roanoke, Salem, and Lynchburg, Virginia, offering a miniature yet detailed glimpse into the region's rail history.

Soaring High: The Aviation Gallery

The Wings Over Virginia exhibit in the Aviation Gallery takes visitors on a journey through the history of aviation, with a particular emphasis on Virginia's contributions to the field. The Flight Talk exhibit features oral histories from aviation figures, spanning from the early days of flight to modern aviation and space exploration. This gallery is a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of reaching new heights.

The Museum's Impressive Collection

The Virginia Museum of Transportation boasts an extensive collection of rolling stock, including more than 50 pieces of rail equipment. Among the highlights are the Norfolk & Western J Class #611, operational since May 9, 2015, and the Norfolk & Western Class A #1218, the last remaining 2-6-6-4 steam locomotive built at the Roanoke Shops in 1943. The Virginian Railway SA class #4 steam locomotive, built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1910, is another rare gem in the collection.

The museum also houses an impressive array of diesel-electric and electric locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, and cabooses. Each piece has its own unique story and significance, contributing to the rich tapestry of transportation history.

Automobiles and More

In addition to its rail exhibits, the museum features an extensive collection of automobiles and trucks. From a 1904 Oldsmobile Curved Dash to a 1981 DMC DeLorean, the automobile collection showcases the evolution of personal and commercial vehicles over the decades. Notable pieces include a 1923 Piedmont Touring Car, a 1936 Cadillac Fleetwood Coupe, and a 1955 Studebaker President Speedster.

The truck collection is equally impressive, with highlights such as a 1929 Ford Pickup Truck and a 1960 Overnite B-Model Mack Tractor with a Fruehauf Trailer. These vehicles offer a glimpse into the history of transportation and the innovations that have shaped the industry.

A Must-Visit Destination

The Virginia Museum of Transportation is more than just a museum; it's a journey through the history of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress. Whether you're a train enthusiast, an automobile aficionado, or simply curious about the evolution of transportation, this museum offers something for everyone. With its rich history, diverse exhibits, and impressive collection, the Virginia Museum of Transportation is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Roanoke, Virginia. Come and discover the stories behind the wheels, wings, and rails that have shaped our world.