Thurmond Train Day

Join the historic town of Thurmond as they celebrate Train Day.

Thurmond, WV

Once the most booming of coal and railroad towns in the nation, Thurmond was abandoned for decades. The rich history of coal mining, industrial development and wealth was visible as trains hauled tons of coal through Thurmond daily during the boom years.

The railway and coal were so important to the town that the Main Street was the C&O Railroad line, and houses were built on the hillside overlooking the tracks.

This year at Thurmond Train Day you can tour the town, hike the old Rend Railway Line, join a photography workshop and enjoy live music. The amazing remains are centered in downtown, and you can step back in time as you explore. The Bank, salon, hotel, the church and many homes are still standing.

Thurmond also had a wild reputation, well known for gambling and liquor drinking as a way to unwind from working in the mines and on the railroad.

Today when you explore the town, you’ll find the train depot completely restored and in use. The line running Lexington/Frankfort to Washington DC on the Amtrak will pick you up or drop you off in Thurmond. Kids can even hop on a handcart and learn firsthand about the railway.

What’s your favorite thing to explore during Thurmond Train Day?