History of Spencer Shops - N.C. Transportation Museum

The N.C. Transportation Museum is located on the grounds of what was once Southern Railway Company's largest steam locomotive servicing facility in the southeast.
J.P. Morgan, Southern's owner, chose the site because of its location midway between the railroad's major terminal points of Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Ga. Construction of the Shops began in 1896, and they were named in honor of the first president of Southern Railway, Samuel Spencer.
Locomotives needing light maintenance were serviced in the Roundhouse, while full overhauls took place in the massive Back Shop, a building that stretches the length of two football fields.
During its peak, Spencer Shops employed nearly 3,000 people, which directly and indirectly provided most of the jobs for the towns of Spencer, East Spencer and other surrounding Rowan County communities.
With the advent of the diesel locomotive, Spencer Shops went into decline. The repair facility closed in 1960, but the classification (freight) yard remained open until the late 1970s.
In September 1977, Southern Railway donated four acres of the site, including three buildings, to the state of North Carolina. A second donation in 1979 included several additional historic structures and land. The entire site was eventually placed under the administration of the Historic Sites section of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources.
Today, you can see the fully restored Bob Julian Roundhouse, the largest building of its type that remains in North America, the Back Shop, Barber Junction Depot, and visit the Gift Station in the Master Mechanic's Office.
Transportation exhibits feature railroading, aviation, and automotive and trucking history, while amazing events take place all through the year.
You can learn more about the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer at www.nctrans.org.

[@wesleyhymbaugh1450]

This Is Great Watching Spencer Shops North Carolina Transportation With The Southern Railway 🚂🚂 🚂 😊😊😊

[@GuyjKite]

My grandfather gave southern rwy. 47 good years. Started out in the roundhouse became fireman then engineer. He worked the eastern division. Greensboro NC to Wash. dc. Back in the 50s and 60s, he was engineer on those beautiful E8s. He lived in Alex VA. 😊

[@carolinarailfanproductions]

As a southern railway fan this is my favorite railroad documentary because I was born in North Carolina and the southern railway was my favorite railroad 🛤 and the North Carolina transportation museum is my favorite railroad museum in my life.

[@eryhv]

This has an early 2000's/90's feel to it. I dig it!

[@jltrain-zgamingrailfan202x3]

I love this! I wish Southern 1401 would be restored at the museum, if that happens, it would be the only 4-6-2 locomotive in the Carolinas since we have none...

[@TweetsieRailroader]

So Do I. However, That'll likely never happen...

[@jaydencomer5072]

I love this I had a good watch nearly cried at the sad ending scene of the quote but thanks for production and posting of this

[@vettebecker1]

The 6900 is my favorite piece of equipment at the museum, great history there.

[@stevensainerailfanproductions]

I loved watching this video at the museum. Thanks for posting.

[@TheNorth35]

My Granddaddy TC Thomas Neill Sr worked in the Spencer Shops during its heydays, and as a child heard many stories about this facility and the people that worked there. The men of these days were men of men and worked hard to support their families.

[@Bottleworksnet]

Is this what's shown in the roundhouse orientation gallery?

[@braxtonryland1728]

Does anyone know the song in the end of the videos name?

[@flagman515]

Wreck of the Old 97.

[@AnimationDiana]

Samuel Spencer was, ironically, struck and killed by a train.

[@sbk8210]

why does it sound like its narrated by ronald reagan lol

[@justahillbilly7777]

Maybe it was narrated by Ronald Reagan.