On August 4, 2018, a new historic roadside marker sign was unveiled in the Tucker County Town of Hendricks, to celebrate the Blackwater Canyon Rail Grade.
Local government officials gave short speeches, including Solena Roberts, the Mayor of Hendricks, and County Commissioners Lowell Moore and Diane Hinkle. Judy Rodd of Friends of Blackwater, which developed the marker project, and Rose Davis of the Tucker County Historical Society, also spoke.
The marker explains the history of the Blackwater Canyon railroad route, once an important route for the timber and coal industries, as well as a major connection between the mountain and valley towns. The steepness of the grade made this section of the railroad a “wonder of engineering” when it was first built. Today the grade is a recreational trail used by residents and tourists for hiking and biking.
All of the speakers emphasized the importance of remembering the past, and expressed a hope that the sign, and other projects like it, would encourage people to visit Hendricks. Although there hasn’t been a train running between Hendricks and Thomas since the 1980s, Hinkle noted that the rail grade still has potential to connect the towns.
The Tucker County Landmarks Commission also contributed to the marker project, which is an official West Virginia Highway Historical Marker. Rose Davis used her remarks to encourage young people to learn about their local history. After the sign was unveiled, everyone went to the Hendricks Town Hall for refreshments. The following is the text of the historic marker:
Blackwater Canyon Grade
In 1888, Henry Gassaway Davis began a railroad expansion from Thomas to Hendricks. The Black Fork grade is a prime example of 19th-century railway engineering, with grades reaching 3.75% to drop 1,236 feet in 10 miles of mountainous terrain. Bought by Western Maryland Railway in 1905, the line was abandoned by its successor, CSX, in 1983. It now is a recreational rail-trail.
For more information contact Friends of Blackwater at 304-345-7663.