The Forgotten Train Wreck: A Tragedy that Haunted Virginia

On a cold and rainy night in 1890, a passenger train traveling from New York City to Atlanta derailed in Virginia, killing 106 people and injuring more than 100 others. The wreck, which occurred near the town of Burkeville, was one of the deadliest train accidents in American history.

Lost at Thaxton: The Dramatic True Story of Virginia's Forgotten Train Wreck

by Michael E. Jones

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13737 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	233 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The train, operated by the Richmond and Danville Railroad, was carrying more than 200 passengers and crew members. The locomotive and several cars jumped the tracks, and the wooden cars splintered and caught fire. Many of the passengers were trapped inside the burning wreckage, and others were thrown from the train and killed.

Rescue workers rushed to the scene, but the fire and darkness made it difficult to find and rescue survivors. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, and the dead were laid out in a makeshift morgue.

The cause of the wreck was never determined, but it was believed to have been caused by a combination of factors, including excessive speed, poor track conditions, and human error. The wreck had a profound impact on the community of Burkeville, and it is still remembered as one of the town's darkest days.

In the years since the wreck, the site of the accident has been designated as a historic landmark. A memorial has been erected to the victims, and a museum has been opened to tell the story of the tragedy.

The Forgotten Train Wreck is a reminder of the dangers of train travel in the 19th century. It is also a story of tragedy and loss, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

The Victims

The victims of the Forgotten Train Wreck came from all walks of life. They included men, women, and children of all ages. Some were wealthy businessmen, while others were poor farmers. Some were traveling for pleasure, while others were on their way to visit family or friends.

The youngest victim was a two-year-old girl named Bessie May. She was traveling with her mother and two older brothers. Her mother and one of her brothers were killed in the wreck, but Bessie May and her other brother survived.

The oldest victim was a 70-year-old man named John Smith. He was a retired farmer who was traveling to Atlanta to visit his children. He was killed instantly when the train derailed.

Many of the victims were never identified. Their bodies were so badly burned that they could not be recognized. They were buried in a mass grave in the Burkeville cemetery.

The Rescue

The rescue effort after the Forgotten Train Wreck was hampered by the fire and darkness. Rescue workers had to use axes and saws to cut through the wreckage and reach the trapped passengers.

Many of the survivors were badly injured. They had broken bones, burns, and other serious injuries. They were taken to nearby hospitals, where they received medical care.

The rescue effort lasted for several days. By the end of the week, all of the survivors had been rescued, and the dead had been buried.

The Investigation

The cause of the Forgotten Train Wreck was never determined. However, there were several factors that may have contributed to the accident.

One factor was excessive speed. The train was traveling at a speed of more than 50 miles per hour when it derailed. This was well above the speed limit for trains at the time.

Another factor was poor track conditions. The tracks were in poor repair, and there were several sections of track that were known to be dangerous.

Finally, human error may have also played a role in the accident. The engineer of the train may have been fatigued or distracted, and he may have made a mistake that led to the derailment.

The Legacy

The Forgotten Train Wreck had a profound impact on the community of Burkeville. The town was devastated by the loss of so many of its citizens. In the years after the wreck, Burkeville struggled to recover.

The wreck also had a national impact. It led to increased calls for stricter railroad safety regulations. In 1893, Congress passed the Safety Appliance Act, which required railroads to install automatic brakes and couplers on their trains.

The Forgotten Train Wreck is a reminder of the dangers of train travel in the 19th century. It is also a story of tragedy and loss, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Lost at Thaxton: The Dramatic True Story of Virginia's Forgotten Train Wreck

by Michael E. Jones

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13737 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	233 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE