Appalachia History of Trains & Depots of the past

[@catherine4970]

Those trains were true workhorses. Another lesson from the greatest teacher ever. Thank you Mr. Donnie.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@thomaslucas6079]

Indians used to call trains the Iron horse.

[@robertbuckey6517]

You can hear is love for this place with every word he speaks.

[@perijetton9275]

Binge watching videos in support of Mr. Donnie and praying for healing 🙏❤️

[@tnvolfan-yn1mw]

I worked on the Railroad in the car shop out of Erwin, Tn. for 37 years

[@catherine4970]

Wow! 👍🏻❤️

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend.

[@brucemoore463]

I enjoyed the video and the history! I just retired from the KCS Railroad 2 years ago after 42 years on the Maintenance of Way (working on the track)! When first went to work in 1979 they were thousands of miles of track abandoned and many railroad companies! I think now there are 8 major class 1 railroad left! All these companies have merged with one another or been bought out! A lot of changes just in the 42 years I worked!

[@larryb982]

Sweet

[@joeylowry874]

Had a job offer to work in Erwin about 5 years ago, kinda wish I had taken it now.

[@Mingocountyroadrunner]

Retired railroader here,worked for NW-Norfolk Southern inspecting,repairing locomotives and shop machinery. Worked in Portsmouth & Bellevue,Ohio. Ended up in coal country and retired from Williamson,West Virginia. Often called to the different mines to get a locomotive going. Have many friends along the right of way, thanks for the videos.....

[@donnielaws7020]

WOW Thanks for sharing this my friend.

[@CabinGirl]

Listening to the Norfolk Southern train whistle right now as it rolls through town. Love to hear its sound echo all through the day and night, several times each day in every kind of weather. Sometimes it seems like the cars will just never end when waiting for them, some trains are so long. Love to finally see the caboose, and I always think about the engineers driving them. There is something very fascinating yet comforting about their regular schedule. ❤️

[@sunshinesandy3265]

This is awesome video Donnie, thanks for sharing. My best friend Patricia Nelson, God rest her soul in Heaven, was one of the 1st female railroad engineers for Union Pacific Railroad. Had so many great times riding the rails together. I loved it & miss her terribly. She said they always asked her to take the urine test, & not guy engineers, because she always passed! She had great stories to tell about her experiences and coworkers. Praying for you and God bless you Donnie 🙏🙏🙏

[@jessphiliprodriquez7381]

My job is in the railroad. We subcontract for Union Pacific, working on their reefers. And Union Pacific a few years ago, eliminated all of the smaller reefers. They were called 7 and 9 series. Smaller and had wooden floors and subfloors. The decks were made of aluminum and topped off with wooden slats from Australia. So, these required a lot more maintenance and repairs. They use in my area railcars called, "jumbos." They haul more because their much bigger. No wooden floors, just fiberglass subfloor with metals floors that are expoxyed down. These cars are much better. There are no major repairs, no wooden floors to rot and much more stuff like that. Our location there's work, even during the Covid shutdown. If it wasn't for the railroad, where would be?

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome story. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@ericoxner8333]

I don't even want to even imagine that!! Railroads still in use and still contact point A to point B.And still important to this country.

[@trishhinkle7076]

These pictures are amazing! My dad was a hobo when he was 15. He would jump the trains. Thanks for this great look of the past, Mr. Donnie. ❤️

[@donnielaws7020]

That is awesome! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@joelcanfield9987]

My Grandpa ran the trains Upstate NY&PA. He retired with his gold watch. Loved the video !

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@CabinGirl]

Wow! Those trains must of had snowplows instead of cow catchers on the front of them! My great grandfather was killed in an accident while walking the rails one night in 1911 in upstate (Fulton) NY.

[@RedneckHillbilly-ho9md]

We still have 2 old steam engine train lines running here in Pennsylvania for amusement purposes. East Broad Top RR which is not far from my hometown and Strasburg RR. They are awesome to see and ride. Man I would love to be living back in those times 150 years ago, my most wanted wish is to have a time machine.

[@donnielaws7020]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@mishalea]

I grew up between Harrisburg and Gettysburg, go back to visit and go to Lancaster for Sight n Sound and Hershey Farm every year. Love that area of Strasburg. 😊

[@accousticdecay]

My grandparents rode on the Washington (PA) & Waynesburg RR. It was a 36" narrow gauge and they called it the "Dinky". Not much left of it.

[@donnielaws7020]

@@accousticdecay WOW. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@TNgrandee3]

Donnie, my family connection with the Appalachian Railroads was my Dad. He was a carman on the Clinchfield Railroad out of our hometown, Erwin, TN. He worked there from the 40s till he retired in the 70s. Thank you for the memories.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@browningbelgium2326]

Excellent video Donnie!! I've loved trains and old depots all my life. It's a sad thing to think that nowadays, there's young folk walking around that don't know what a trestle is. Someday I'm going to Thurmand WV and visit that old town that was thriving back in the early days but fell victim of the great depression and never really recovered. Going from steam to diesel engines really put the final nail in the coffin for Thurmand. But people can still visit that town and the good news is that some of the old buildings still stand where a store and 2 banks used to be, along with the ole depot. Believe it or not, there's still 6-8 people that live there while other homes have fell into disrepair. Amtrak still runs through there daily. Maybe you or some of your readers can fill us in some more history of Thurmand. I'd sure like to know!!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@chrism4008]

I really wanna go to Thurmond!! But I want to ride there on a freight train. If you wanna see it up close there is a channel called Hobo Shoestring, he visited there a few months ago on a freight train and filmed it. He's a legitimate, life-long box car hobo and his channel is so amazing, in the same way this one is. He's an old timer who knows EVERYTHING about the rails, where they go, the trains on the rails, and how it all functions. Amazing channel

[@browningbelgium2326]

@@chrism4008 Thanks for the info!!

[@grego934]

Both of my grandfathers worked for the railroad in Roanoke and Christiansburg , Va . In the late 40’s through the early 60’s . When I was 5 my older brother and I rode the train from Newport News , Va. to Christiansburg , Va. and spent the summer there . I am 60 years old now and I still remember that train ride , how cool it was and most all the old railroad stories told to me by both of my grandfathers . Awesome memories and still love that sound of that train horn echoing in those mountains. Thank you again for another awesome video and history that keeps the past alive . Appreciate it so much Donnie Laws ✌️

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this story.

[@Mukundanghri]

I can't adequately express my gratitude to you for the knowledge you impart. Not only the knowledge you impart but the therapeutic tone of your commentary. Thank you!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thank you so much.

[@nc4tn]

Thanks for sharing, Donnie. Lots of good old pics. I retired in 2019 from CSX, former Clinchfield, after 38 years hauling coal out of these mountains. I worked into Harlan/Loyall out of Erwin, TN occasionally. I would have loved to run on the “Old CV” to Middlesboro before they pulled up the rail.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@pamelaburks8695]

Enjoying your older stuff till you get well and come back. Know we all love ya and wish you a fast recovery.

[@folday6169]

Donnie, thanks for the wonderful video! It brought back so many vivid memories. As you pointed out, it was a major means of transportation in those days, not only freight but a busy passenger service. I remember traveling with my Mom from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Wheeling, West Virginia, to visit my grandparents in eastern Ohio. It was during the WW ll years. My grandfather was a coal miner and the mines worked 24/7 to keep up with the demand for coking coal for the steel mills in Pittsburg. Many a night the steam locomotives would roar through town, whistles blowing, on their way from the Willow Grove mine to the coking ovens in Pennsylvania. I feel fortunate to have lived during those times!!!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@michaelmauro9335]

I absolutely love your videos! Your story's and pictures are relaxing, takes my mind away from this day and age ( which sucks ) for a little while. Thanks donnie

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@martinbradstreet5728]

You got that right, Michael!! This day and age such a chrome off of fenders!!!!

[@michaelmauro9335]

@@martinbradstreet5728 yes we can thank mr Biden

[@PastorDanWhite]

Thanks Donnie. Locomotives have always fascinated me. I remember from childhood the Gainesville Midland huffing and puffing in front of my grandfather’s plantation mansion. I’d hear it coming and run to get a closer look. I’d wave at the engineer, and he’d always wave back. One of my most treasured toys that Santa Claus brought me was a Lionel Locomotive train set complete with an engineer’s cap.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@jeffpatrick768]

There is a Gainesville Midland 208 steam engine in winder ga where I am from. A branch of G M used to run from Belmont through winder to Monroe ga. The track was removed in the early 1940s.

[@donnielaws7020]

@@jeffpatrick768 awesome, Thanks for the info my friend.

[@louparry7721]

Days gone by for sure. Thanks for the memories. Nice to keep these treasures of history alive. Thanks for sharing, Louise

[@donaldwells2102]

I remember when I graduated high school in 1972,I tried to get a job at the old L&N and Southern Railroad.Those were good paying jobs even back then.My Great Uncle operated the old steam engine at the Rebel Railroad,back before it was Dollywood. Thanks Donnie, a great History Lesson you shared with us,on the old trains and depots.

[@donnielaws7020]

WOW! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@robtans5042]

Donald Wells Thats when they started hiring minorities. I remember going up there and trying to get a job. Hundreds of people and they might hire 4or5. I never got on and my daddy worked there southern rr from 1947 to 1987. Pitiful how much this countrys good jobs have disappeared

[@donaldwells2102]

@@robtans5042 Thanks for sharing your comment, that was really interesting.

[@donnielaws7020]

@@robtans5042 Yes it is my friend.

[@beverlyrobertson6796]

THANK YOU ,I JUST LOVE THE OLD TRAINS.AND THE HISTORY. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing that my friend.

[@roddymoore]

Mr. Laws, thank you for working to preserve our history. As an eastern, coastal guy from NC, you have helped me to rekindle my regard from where I came from. Thank you again.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome. God bless.

[@roddymoore]

God bless you and your family too.

[@martinbradstreet5728]

Thanks for the really informative and reverential video on our nation's historic railroads. I just loved all the photos, too! I thank you for all your hard work in making this video, sir!! And I surely appreciate how respectfully you treat/talk about history while narrating these videos. I hope the younger generation see your videos - we need to keep our country's history sacred, and that starts with education and some level of appreciation for our forefathers!!!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@j.polishboy4871]

My grandfather was a mechanic for the Milwaukee Railroad back in the 40's & 50's. Think that's why I always loved trains. Thanks Donnie!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@mikefannon6994]

Great video! I'm just now commenting after watching a week ago. I could talk about railroad history in the mountains for hours. Dad and his brother loved those old trains and would spend all day reminencing about them. They grew up in the Depression in Scott Co. VA. The track was just across the road. They remembered the engine numbers, names of engineers and brakemen from the 30s and 40s. Anyway, they are both gone now. After we had Dad's graveside service at Weber City, VA the family lingered talking to cousins. We heard a lonesome train whistle, across the valley here comes a coal train, saying farewell to Dad. Thanks so much, Donnie.

[@donnielaws7020]

Welcome my friend. Thank you. Your very welcome.

[@rogerhuber3133]

Donnie, that was a very good show. I'm a diehard railroad modeler and railfan and it was great seeing all this history. So sad most of it's gone and most younger folks don't appreciate what times were like building the rail systems and having it as such a special event in the daily life of people back then. I remember my grandfather who lived on a farm talking about it and how important it was to everyone around. He'd walk 3 miles to the train station every Sunday evening so he could get a cup of ice cream from the dining car cook. Things were so different and simple in those days. Thanks for this show and all your history shows.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@donnabunch4417]

Thanks for putting these pictures together for us. You are greatly appreciated friend !!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@greywindLOSP]

Ole friend your pictures and maps are museum quality! Alot of those days were fine old days. We really enjoyed your time and caring to do this video! Thank you....ATB

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@jimadams5574]

Thanks, Donnie, for the vid and history. My grandparents used to take the train to get to the West coast to visit relatives. Others would take the train here on the East coast to come up to see us during the holidays.. Thanks for bringing back those forgotten memories. We had a beautiful train station here, but it was torn down in the 70’s as I remember. I used to love to go there with my mom when I was a kid to pick up relatives just to look at the trains and train station. I can’t imagine how much it would cost to build a station like that now days. Much of it was granite … Such a waste to just tear down those old buildings.. So much work went into them. As always thanks for bringing back all those wonderful memories!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@raymondbradley6788]

Thank you Donnie for sharing the past👍👍👍🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@l.a.2646]

I live in the Appalachian mountains in Pennsylvania - this is a nice testament to the people who have lived and worked here . my family settled here in the early 1700s.... here in my town we made 90% of the worlds steel at one time, so coal and coke trains were and still are a part of everyday life, just not like it used to be. I love these hills when my son moved after university to the flat lands, he said that he felt venerable without the mountains all around him, I feel the same. what a great video of our home. by the way my son moved back home - these mountains get in your blood . proud of our past and all those who built and labored building America.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@Lightwarrior11_11]

I just found your channel 🤗❤️ I'm so greatful I found you I was no born in Knoxville TN and history of my home bring a warm wonderful feeling in my heart adding your voice is the cherry on top 🙏🥳🤗❤️🌲

[@donnielaws7020]

That is awesome! Welcome friend. Thank you.

[@beboboymann3823]

One of your best Donnie. Thank you.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@tammyevans7333]

Trains brought a lot of good, I always learn something new from you, thanks alot!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@viviannedonnelly233]

We live in Milford, Delaware. Every morning and night the Delmarva Central Railroad train (freight) goes by our neighborhood. I like the rumble and sound of the horn.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@joycecarlin2295]

Love the story Donnie about the trains, me and Garron would ride 4 miles from my farm just to watch the trains go by. We did this many times when Garron was a little boy, but we still go and watch them when he's not to busy. I use to keep my two little brothers when school was out for the summer, and me and Johnny would take them fishing and we had to walk a long way down the realroad tracks in order to get to the trusel because there were a bridge under it and that's where we caught a lot of fish. We would hear a train coming while fishing up there and it sounded pretty scarry. We would catch a lot of fish but we dreaded walking back to the starting point. We mate few trains while walking on the tracks and we had to slide down the side of tracks so too not get ran over. I love trains, and love fishing. Oh how times flies by. I hope me and Garron will get to ride a train someday, thats what we're hoping 🙏 You shared some most interesting old trails. Keep up the good work 👍

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@susanblack7782]

Cookeville, TN, has preserved their Depot, shown in the photo! It is in the same place and is now The Depot & Museum. Outside, on the tracks is an old Steam Engine w/coal bin, and a Caboose, that you can go in and see what it had to accommodate sleeping, cooking, etc. for the Train's crew. All free to explore! And in Summer, they will have a "Lunch time Concert" every week to come and sit, bring your lunch, and listen to the music, all at no charge. The dark brick buildings on the left in the photo are still standing, remodeled, and more added, now also old around that area known as The Historic Depot District. A train still comes through that carries rock from the quarry in Algood and grain during the week. It's still sounds the train whistle at all the RR crossings through town, a beautiful sound, and a Scenic Train runs in Autumn from Cookeville, Baxter to Nashville to enjoy the beautiful autumn tree colors of the Upper Cumberland Highland Rim woodland hills. I have always rode on trains, to visit places, to and from work, in my younger days, and theirs nothing like the ride of going along the rails in a train! Loved this video ! Thanks!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@ValerieDee123]

Baxter redid theirs too. I'm from Silver Point. I think way back people were too scared to put a train stop here!

[@susanblack7782]

@@ValerieDee123 Yes, they did! Baxter is a hidden gem of rural Tennessee! I go there often to do my business.❤️

[@valeriemcnabb197]

Thanks for another great southern Appalachian history video! My dad was born in E Tennessee. Once a year, as a child, he would travel with his mother by train to visit her family, along the Nolichucky River to the North Carolina mountains. He was one of 9 siblings--the only one to move beyond this area (he was drafted in WWII and went on to a career in the military), and was able to purchase the property his family farm sat on (enjoyed your tobacco farm video--that's just what they grew). The old farmhouse was torn down in the early 70s when the Clinchfield Railroad needed to lower the grade to help speed the trains along. You can imagine, with my dad being born almost 100 years ago, and him having siblings born in the 1800s, that our visits to this TN valley were with relatives who were real old-timey (My dad had a number of children, including me, later in life--we're all in our 50s.)! I am an Appalachian history fan, especially the Tennessee mountains. Appreciate this and your drawn-out southern way of speaking 🙂. Reminds me of relatives long gone and of the charming days visiting the mountains as a youngster!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@gaylefeinberg1237]

Thanks for posting.As a young boy back in the early 1950s I remember laying in bed and hearing the whistle of a steam locomotive speeding through the night.MyMom would take us from New york Grand central Station by electric locomotive and switch to steam outside the city and take us to Bethlehem PA to visit my Mama's sister.I used to stick my head out to smell the coal the engine burned.I can still smell it to this day.My uncle worked for Bethlehem steel as many folks did.It's all gone now.faded into history..along with the fine people I once knew.It was a beautiful time to be young then .My Dad and uncles were home from the war and steam locos were still in use.How I miss those happy days

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@cathejones3412]

GREAT VIDEO. MY DAD WAS AN ENGINEER ON THE RAIL ROAD. THE YARDS WERE IN OUR TOWN. BREWSTER OHIO. I CAN REMEMBER THE OLD STEAM ENGINS LEAVING THE YARDS, AND WAVING TO MY DAD AS HE WENT BY OUR HOUSE... THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO AND GOD BLESS YOU, YOU BROUGHT BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES FOR ME TODAY.

[@donnielaws7020]

WOW Thanks for sharing your memories my friend. That's awesome.

[@jasonrunyon2663]

Great video. I love learning more about the appalachian region. You have taught me so much. Thank you so much.

[@donnielaws7020]

I'm so glad! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@yogibeer9319]

I remember back in 1961 I was 6 and I’d walk down to the C&O railroad station in Ashland Ky at 3 in the morning carrying my little suitcase and buy my ticket to Lexington to see my dad. I would board a Pullman hooked to the C&O engine the George Washington. It would go through the Nada Tunnel on the way. The conductor would call out the towns along the way. Mount Sterling! Winchester! What memories. Thanks for a great video Donnie

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@-TammyJean-]

I sure enjoy your videos 🙂 I could listen to you talk all day, your voice is so soothing sir.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you kindly friend.

[@rickyhenry4958]

Love the video Donnie! I love coal train history. We’ve got some old tunnels around here that you can still get in and look around from 150 years ago. It was the the Chattaroy that ran up this way.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@waitaminute-vw9hf]

Donnie, Thank you for sharing these historical railroad pictures. When I was a kid I dreamed of riding the rails. I even tryed to get a job with Southern Pacific in the 70s.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend

[@nissanlowe]

When I saw the Train Depot in Englewood Ky. , I thought I was home.. It looks just like ours in Bryson City NC, still in use. My Great Grandpa was Conductor on the Murphy line here (Southern) in the early 1900's. Most people today don't realize that small railroads ran up every good size creek in these mountains, they were the first road grades built into these areas and many (most) are still used today, widened and used for roadways.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@sandywatson5330]

I absolutely love your videos I love history and I love to share it with my grandchildren thank you and God bless

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jeffscott8323]

Want to hear good Train music. Kathy Matia The L&N dosent stop here no more. Doc Watson. Blue Railroad Train. Jimmie Rodgers. Hobo Bill. Love Train songs. And the history behind. Them. Keep them stories coming Mr Laws. And God Bless you. Oh and get well soon

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing. God bless you.

[@carrols.hawkins7770]

Thank you for this beautiful train video. I have always loved trains, but never got to ride on a passenger train.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you very much! my friend.

[@davidbass7593]

I'm a big rail fan and I tell you what I miss those small town railroads thanks for posting this video sir

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome, your very welcome my friend.

[@Christina-xp9ys]

I love old black and white pictures. Especially, the people, houses, and nature of what it looked like. My great uncle worked and retired from the railroad. Been gone now for 3 years.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this. Glad you enjoy them. God bless you.

[@johnfaull8908]

I really enjoyed this video, Donnie! You mentioned the L&N station in Knoxville as being a museum, but for the last 8 years or so, it has been a magnet school for Knox County- the L&N STEM Academy. 2 of my children graduated from there. It is one of the top high schools in the nation specializing in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM). It retains its beautiful stained glass windows, wooden stair cases, and mosaic tile floors. Thanks again for your videos and stories!

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for the info! Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@TnVolFan]

Automatic thumbs up for Donnie before even watching

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@roynichols4745]

That's the first picture I have seen of a roundtable, thank ya.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome.

[@oldhillbilly4246]

I worked on the railroad in Dickson TN for a week I drove spikes for the whole week 😂🤣😅 I didn't last long I went back to painting houses 😁

[@donnielaws7020]

Oh wow! Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@thebeardedpatriot5.569]

SIR Men were Tough as Steel Back in GODS Country! People were Patriots that Loved Our Country and Fought for it. SIR Thank You for your Videos and GOD Bless You.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@cowboykelly6590]

I Love Trains and Depots , and that was just Lovely to Watch this branch of its History . Bless you and yours Sir and Thank you. 🤠🖖

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@markrhodes7446]

Thank you Mr Donnie for these stories I have friends in Barberville ky and Williamsburg ky area mighty fine folks!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@davidburton612]

Thank you Donnie for your wonderful channel. I'm an old man and remember when the Monon RR retired the steamers and went diesel. I was also 17 yrs. old when I got to ride the Santa FE Super Chief from Chicago to LA. 1st class thanks to the US Navy, sleeper birth and all, wonderful memory for sure!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@accousticdecay]

Thanks for a beautiful slideshow and talk. This is calming after reading horrible news from Ukraine. There is an old Shay engine at the museum in Townsend, TN. These very odd engines have 3 side-saddle cylinders and a crank/driveshaft system that runs along the right side to every wheel on the engine and coal tender. They are slow, but powerful. You can ride trains powered by Shay engines on the Cass Scenic RR in Cass, WV. I was there in 1965 and will never forget the experience.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@randalljulian6910]

Beautiful pictures. Beautiful piece of history! Thank you, brother!❤️

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome.

[@allanpeck8523]

That train trestle that fell in Claiborne County was something I'd never heard of. Heck even where 25E goes over the Powell River is scary. I remember as a child I had anxiety every time my dad would drive us over that bridge in the late 60s & early 70s while we were down south on vacation. I had Grand Parents in Harrogate & Tazewell so we made many trips over that bridge. I enjoyed this video, thanks for the upload. 👍

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@allanpeck8523]

@@donnielaws7020 Donnie, sorry this is off topic but I remember an old wooden bridge that went over a narrow river somewhere around Harrogate or Tazewell Tennessee but I'm thinking it was closer to Harrogate. It was an old bridge even back in the mid to late 1960s. As I said it was made out of wood for the most part & it looked roughshod, even the base of it looked like just a bunch of planks were laid down on a wooden framework to drive on. It was a one lane bridge & it was held up with steel cables & ropes. The bridge was about 2 1/2 car lengths long & it would sway left & right & up & down as you drove over it in your vehicle. I'm 63 years old so I was a little feller back then & I can't remember where it was but that bridge terrified me. I'd duck down in the floorboard of the back seat so I couldn't see the bridge sway & shift as we went over it. My dad got a kick out of scaring my mother & me but after just one or two trips over that thing she put a stop to him swinging by the "sway bridge" as he liked to call it when we'd go out for a joy ride sight seeing. I figure maybe you or one of your viewers might remember that bridge & could tell me where it was & or maybe a little more about it. It's worth a shot right!

[@donnielaws7020]

@@allanpeck8523 I don't recall one my friend. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@jasonstragier8272]

That was the river bridge at the end of cave springs road

[@allanpeck8523]

@Jason Stragier Thanks, my father's parents lived on Ferguson Ridge Road in Tazewell which forks off of Cave Springs Road right where the Cave Springs Baptist Church & Cemetery are so you're probably right. Funny how in my memory I thought it was closer to Harrogate.

[@geversonsr]

I love those old steam trains...would love to get the chance to ride on one. Great history...thank you again Donnie for keeping our history alive

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@garystevens7369]

Love the History ! Rail travel is making a small comeback here in Maine. Thanks for sharing

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome, Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@whiterabbit-wo7hw]

Another great walk down memory lane. My day told us boys that he'd jump train to go to work wherever he could find work when he was in junior high school. This would be during the summer in the 30s. He said that people were still trying to look for jobs wherever they could because of the depression. Sometimes those box cars would be crowded and hard to get on. They were the best of times. They were the worst of times.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@mikechurch2359]

Makes me wonder how many trees was taking out of the great Smokys but people need them man I love this old pictures

[@donnielaws7020]

I would say a lot my friend. That's why in the 1920's they stopped it.

[@virginia7191]

I had always wanted to ride a train. So, a few years ago, I took a train from Norfolk, Va through DC, up to Chicago and down into Lawrence, KS to see my niece and her family. I absolutely loved it! Trains are far more comfortable than planes!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@gregoryj.m.8985]

Super neat video Donnie.....Love those old Steam Locomotives...they had so much character...so much fabricating went into their builds.......they were powerful machines....some years ago I rode the old White Pass and Yukon route out of Skagway Alaska.....what a ride..!...... Thank you for the video Brother...

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@gunlinebees.3831]

My Granddaddy worked on the L&N down here in Mobile. On the Old Mobile to New Orleans route. He was on the caboose from what I've been told. I've got his old red glass lantern that is stamped L&N Railroad. Thanks for sharing Mr. Donnie, it was a blessing to see part of my family's work history!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this. Your very welcome.

[@michaelwhitehead6310]

boy I like them old trains thank you sir for sharing your video amazing

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@johnmahoney2178]

My step grandfather retires from L N in the mid 70s of 36 year’s and the old Farmhouse was built out of box car lumber win they passed the old farm was sold and now it’s a dam subdivision he had 110 acres so sad Brings back a lot of memories 💯👍

[@donnielaws7020]

So sad. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@ftc22]

Mr Donnie, WOW! I loved this one . Hobos. I haven't said that word probably since I was 11. I remember the Hobo's. I loved the train station in " The Gap." I am so glad we have you. The history, the stories, and the way you present the story. Man, you are a true Tennessee and American treasure. I'd give anything to hear you tell about a two hour story. Your voice is one of those voices that when everything is wrong in the world, YOU seem to just be able to make everything seem good again. 👍. I thank you for ALL you do for us. We need you in these times. Take care my friend, and be blessed in all you do. I'm looking forward to more on the BEST KZbin channel on Earth! Donnie Laws! I'm just keeping it real.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@jeffkosier9897]

From an old railroader in upstate ny thanks donnie great video!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@dalechurch4954]

Great video there's a railroad depot in my town that was built in 1914. It is still standing there I got to go inside and look around it was good to see history from days gone by. And many years ago they had a flume that ran by the river they would float logs down to the town. The train used to come to my town until the 60s and 70s. They had a flood in the 1940 and washed out a lot of the tracks. We always loved to hear the train whistle they would hall people and freight. My father would tell me about riding the train. I live in Wilkes County nc in the town of north Wilkesboro. Your videos are great they bring back so many wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing have a blessed night. They have a depot in old fort near black mountain nc . They would come there and go to the foothills and mountains.

[@donnielaws7020]

WOW Thanks so much for sharing the history of the area my friend.

[@timothyeldridge6822]

Thank you for sharing this video! The depot in Cookeville, TN is still standing to this day!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Your very welcome.

[@ibuprofendave2771]

Great video! I was born in Hazard KY and I think that wooden depot lasted until the 70's if I'm not mistaken; later I grew up in Bristol and the passenger depot still exists but used for events, the depot in Abingdon also stands

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@ibuprofendave2771]

Thank you Donnie for your great videos! You explore and teach about our culture and heritage!

[@ValerieDee123]

My sister in laws family is from Hazard. They're Spurlock's

[@nataliewehner2283]

Great video. My grandpa and father worked for the L & N Railroad

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@mrprecious1234]

Super video! Can't THANK YOU enough for sharing and posting the photographs and give us a history lesson. Bless you. Bill.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome, Your very welcome my friend.

[@brendadonald2052]

Thank you for the history of the trains and depots. I remember back in 1960's a train wreck in Central, SC. I was just a little girl. But I never forget it. I was upset . We have a place not far from the railroad tracks today they make good hot dogs. It's called the Depot. Some thing you don't see at the end of the train now is the caboose. Take care.

[@bettydavis9519]

Don't know how I missed this one, Mr. Laws. I love trains and tracks. Adventurous and wanted to live the gypsy life when I was growing up. Cool video, great pics. Thank you!🌹🎶

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing. Your very welcome.

[@dormiacrouch1905]

Donnie sure hope you're healing well and gettin stronger everyday! Prayers for you daily.

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

Thank you Donnie for sharing your old pictures with us. I love old pictures especially when we know what or who they are of.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@johnnemeth825]

My Grandfather worked and retired from the Pennsylvania railroad I remember as a young boy riding on the train great memories I have a friend the worked on the railroad he use to tells stories about his experience. Working some very sad and alot very fun Clive is a good man miss his stories I use to laugh so hard when he told the stories Clive was a great follower of Jesus Amen

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@johnhughes6074]

Good job Donnie. My hometown of Mt Vernon Il used to have a huge plant/yard where they made train cars, coal cars and flat beds. It shut down many years ago now. A lot of jobs were lost when it did. Most had to go into the mines afterwards.

[@donnielaws7020]

Sad. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@cynthiaswearingen1037]

The railroad ran through my hometown Back in the early 60s...I can still remember people catching the trains and the loads of lumber being shipped from the sawmill. Times long gone, now...💖

[@donnielaws7020]

Oh wow! Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@jimamccracken5783]

As always Donnie great information. I was raised on Cabin Creek in Kanawha County WV my house was probably 50' from the C&O Railway tracks.

[@JanetWilham]

born and raised in W.va--Glen Ferris, Kanawha Falls area....live in Ohio now and am 73 and get so home sick for my mountains and the sounds of the trains passing by.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend.

[@josephpilosky4775]

Thanks Donnie for another fine video 👍 stay safe and healthy and warm

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@chucksayers1248]

thank you for the look into the past, we don't realize how good we have it today.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@jayhickman2436]

Cool video. I love those old stream engines. We have one here in town at the old train station. I remember climbing all over it and playing on it back in the 70s when I was a youngun.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you very much!

[@chriswatts6629]

Realy like the trains.there is a shay ran for tourist in cass wv not far from my home .it has an awsome whistle.love your vidios

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for the info my friend.

[@rogerb5615]

Thanks for a really fine video, Donnie. It's good that you show the people back in the day, not just the equipment and the hardware. When I lived in Kingsport, we'd visit Natural Tunnel in Duffield Virginia, where unit coal trains pass thru a long curving tunnel and exit into a natural amphitheater, bringing black gold south out of the mountains. That is a unique and beautiful place. Appreciate you, Mr. Laws!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@cinvanover6702]

Oh how we enjoyed this video. I love the old trains. Such a different world today. Back in the day it was such fun to have to wait for the trains to pass by and wave at the conductor and the caboose. Trains were romantic but daring and you could just pick up and go anywhere the rails would take you. Sure miss them. We try to always ride the one at Dollywood when we visit. Also, I took the Ghost Tour last year around Halloween in Cumberland Gap Tn. The guide took us up to the entrance of the train tunnel and boy was it dark and spooky! Truly fun and I’d recommend it to others. Keep up the great videos Donnie, we can hardly wait for the next one!

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you so much. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@mrwilliams6626]

Where we lived it was mainly grain cars which made it great for hunting rabbits along the railroad track

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@shannonherb2048]

I live in hiddenite but Statesville is where I work. Tom Dooley was hanged at the Depot there, the last man hanged in NC I think. There is a song about it.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@tammystults7921]

Thank you Donnie So So So Cool!!!!! I Enjoyed, My PawPaw Britt, My Mother's Dad, Use to HoBo and I Loved Listing to All his Stories. God Bless

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@manicmechanic448]

Thank for showin the station at Oneida. That's my home town. You should check out the Oneida and Western, O&W railroad. It's just a gravel road now, but it's beautiful out there. There used to be a "Indian head" on the cliff face, but his nose fell off. My great grandpa Cal was a section boss in Winfield, his Dad built the Robins tunnel that runs under highway 27, and my Grandpa built the bridge that goes over New River. Oh, there's an old passenger car in Knoxville from O&W. Not sure if its my O&W or the one out west, but it's still cool.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@HookMann88]

An old tunnel in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts built in 1870 is almost 5 miles long. The Hoosac tunnel. The Berkshires are part of the Appalachian chain. Maine to Georgia. Still in use today. Carries special auto cars. God bless you Mr. Laws.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this information.

[@judyingram-kh1vm]

Thank you Donnie for another great History lesson from days gone by. You make all your stories so very interesting. ❤❤❤

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend

[@darrinwright6758]

Hello again from middle Tennessee. The town I live in used to be a major railway hub. Erin tn.

[@donnielaws7020]

. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@francene8950]

Hello there Mr Donnie, haven't watched you in awhile, been busy with work and the gloomy news! I just love your channel you have away of lifting my spirit ❤️ Our Ancestors are what made America Free and Strong! It breaks my 💔on how WEAK it is today😢 Staying strong in prayer, and knowing that LIGHT over comes Darkness... 🇺🇲❤️✝️❤️🇺🇲

[@donnielaws7020]

Welcome back! Thanks for sharing my friend. God bless you.