Bonnie Chapman 96 pages softcover
This book focuses on the Hanging Rock Region of Ohio, which includes
Jackson, Vinton, Scioto, and Lawrence counties. The region was once an
important center for charcoal iron production, and the railroads played a
vital role in its development and history. In this book, we explore the
railroad structures, including stations, depots, bridges, and tunnels,
that once helped make this area of Ohio thrive.
Much of the railroad history of the Hanging Rock Region has been
lost or nearly forgotten. This book takes a closer look at that missing
piece of the region's past. Unlike the railroads of Northern Ohio, which
disappeared as cities rapidly expanded, the railroads here declined
because the need to transport coal and iron gradually faded. Many rail
lines were removed, while others were simply abandoned and left for
nature to reclaim.
Today, the railroads that remain are primarily used for freight
service or recreation. One notable example is the Hocking Valley Scenic
Railway, where visitors can step back in time and experience a train
ride through the region's historic landscape. As you travel the
countryside, you may still catch glimpses of old rail lines and
forgotten structures. Some are easy to spot, while others require long
hikes or off-road travel to find.
