Railroads
Information about railroads in Richmond, Va., during the Civil War.

This is a collection of sources on the railroads in Richmond during the Civil War.

Five lines terminated in Richmond:

Richmond and Petersburg Railroad
Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad
Richmond and York River Railroad
Richmond and Danville Railroad
Virginia Central Railroad.

None of these lines connected in the city. The city worked on a railroad through the city at various times during the war.

Written Accounts

1847-06-01, Richmond Enquirer; claim that Tredegar Iron Works manufactured the first railroad iron in America
1848-01-14, Richmond Enquirer; Talavera house, future site of Battery No. 10, is up for sale – very detailed description. For sale by R. A. Talley, of the Tredegar Iron Works
1852-01-13, Richmond Enquirer; report that Tredegar has produced the first locomotive engine in the South has been corrected – this has been going on “long since”
1854-03-14, Richmond Whig; two ads from Tredegar: one announcing Charles Y. Morriss as a partner, the other advertising under the new name all the products available
1859-01-07, Richmond Dispatch; residents of Jefferson Ward to purchase land at “Hospital Hill” (Chimborazo) to give as a fair grounds. Description notes that “it is within the city limits, and will be under control of the Mayor..."
1860-11-06, Richmond, Dispatch; paragraph noting the upcoming cavalry encampment and that a local citizen has donated a saddle to be won by competition - some of the troops named
1860-11-08, Richmond Dispatch; report from the board of the Richmond and York River Railroad; important details about RR’s plans and operations
1860-11-09, Richmond Dispatch; long and important article about Camp Lee - Col. Hardee has reviewed the troops, and gives lists of officers from different companies. First Regiment Virginia Volunteers will be there today.
1860-11-10, Richmond Dispatch; important description of review at Camp Lee; 1st VA Regiment parades, list given of companies participating. Hardee takes the review again.
1860-11-12, Richmond Dispatch; British account of the Prince of Wales’ trip to Richmond - notes on the ill-taste of the "ruffianly" Richmond crowds, the Prince’s visit to the state Capitol (important anecdote about the Houdon statue), St. Paul’s Church, t

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