State Line Marker

[NW Mailing List]

Recently I was able to solve a mystery.  In October 2009 I photographed an unusual sign post along the former Pocahontas Branch between Pocahontas, VA and Bluestone, WV. Ever since then I've been trying to figure out what it was. Turns out it's a state line marker. There would've been two wooden signs at the top with one saying "VIRGINIA" and the other "WEST VIRGINIA".   There was also severely weathered metal signs about mid-height on the post. These were stenciled with the names of each county, "TAZEWELL CO." and "MERCER CO." at this particular location.  Brent Harrison recently photographed a similar sign that was more intact and in much better condition which is how I was able to figure out what I had photographed.

I presume these signs were located on all main and branch lines?  Any idea when the N&W started using them or when they might have been installed?  Does anyone else know of any others that still exist or know of photos showing them?  

My photo from the Pocahontas Branch. 
http://www.pbase.com/railfire/image/140965579/original

Brent's photo from Bishop, WV. 
http://www.pbase.com/railfire/image/140965579/original

Jeff Hawkins

www.railsinvirginia.com
www.railfirephotography.com
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