the community was very slow to recover afterward . This situation changed when millionaire Henry H . Rogers decided to build his own railroad to haul his coal after other railroads refused to give his cargos a special rate . Princeton became home to the 500-mile railroad ’ s repair shops and other facilities , Smith said .
Thanks to the new railroad ’ s growth , Princeton ’ s population grew from around 1,000 people in 1900 to 6,500 by 1920 . The Virginian Railroad ’ s main repair shop had around 1,500 employees keeping it in operation .
The Virginian Railroad later merged with the Norfolk & Western in 1959 , but its legacy is showcased in the Princeton Railroad Museum ’ s indoor and outdoor exhibits .
Smith said the museum is in the process of installing five historic railroad markers : four at the museum and one on Mercer Street . That section of Mercer Street is the only brick street in the City of Princeton .
In addition , the museum is working on creating a series of self-guided tours printed up with information about 22 of the museum ’ s exhibits , Smith said . The Princeton Railroad Museum is open seven days a week from 11 a . m . to 4 p . m . The phone number is 304-487- 5060 . ❖
Railroad passes are shown at the Princeton Railroad Museum . Railroad passes were used to travel in a designated area for a set period of time .
Princeton Railroad Museum Director Patricia Smith and resident conductor Austin Hodges at the museum , which is at the site of the former railroad station .
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