Restoration in progress on 3 historic, east end buildings.
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Home Page You are here DURBIN Area Directions and Map Scenic and restored railroads in Pocahontas County National Radio Astronomy Observatory Camping, Hiking, Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Fishing, Horseback riding, Hunting, River Tubing, Skiing and Snowboarding West Fork Rail Trail ~ the trail less traveled Civil War Battle Field Sites: Maps, Directions, Reenactment Dates and Links Attractions and Events in the surrounding area Lodging, Dining and Shopping in and around Durbin Industry and Business Memorable and Striking Images from our Photo Archives Web Sites and Contact infomation for our many friends in and around the Valley

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DURBIN'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION  
In and Around Town

One of Five Matching C&O Depots

Durbin Depot, completed in 1902
The gingerbread Durbin Depot, completed in 1902..., saved in 1982..., and restored in 2002, matched many of those built on the Chesapeake & Ohio's Greenbrier Subdivision. Today, there remain four other restored depots open for public viewing. Listed from north to south, in Pocahontas County are Durbin, Cass, Clover Lick and Marlinton. The 5th is on the CSX mainline in Alderson (Greenbrier County). Can you name which three of these stations operate as passenger stations and the railroads serving them??
 
On the Rails

Vintage Refrigerator Car On Durbin Route
Fruit Growers Express refrigerator car Fruit Growers Express refrigerator car (FRGX 56547) arrived at Durbin under a lease agreement from the West Virginia Railroad Museum for special train service use on the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad in 2004. It will be used for special trains on "The Durbin Route" along with the "Durbin Rocket".

This reefer car is exciting as it is one of four pieces of rolling stock donated by the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Md to the WV Rail Museum. The reefer was hauled overland by truck, but it was 'Little Leroi' who backed it into the Durbin yards
 

 

An exciting addition to the many lodging options in the valley the CASTAWAY CABOOSE

Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad (D&GVR) is happy to announce the CASTAWAY CABOOSE as Pocahontas County's only private luxury car with overnight accommodations. The caboose is outfitted with stove, refrigerator, shower and indoor plumbing and will sleep 6. Restored 2003 - 2004 by Jay and Cathy East of Stuarts Draft, VA, the car was built in 1952 by the Wabash RR and operated as #2849. The NW RR bought the Wabash RR and added #56 prefix. The car is now painted in its D&GVR colors and operates once again as #2849. Overnight packages include a round-trip fare on the DURBIN ROCKET steam train to remote Hevener Station picnic area along the beautiful Greenbrier River. Contact D&GVR for reservations.
View former color schemes and learn more about the CASTAWAY CABOOSE
 
 
HISTORY
Agriculture has been as important as the Railroad in shaping the Durbin/Frank/Bartow community In 1790, John Slavin of Ireland settled at the forks of the Greenbrier River. On this 30 acres of land between the East and West Forks of the Greenbrier River grew the town of Durbin.

The county, established in 1821, originally part of Virginia, was named for the Indian princess, Pocahontas. Once a hunting ground for the Shawnee Indians, travel into this area was exceedingly difficult. Thus, in 1824 the Virginia Legislature commissioned a turnpike to be built between Staunton, Virginia and the Ohio River to the West. Simply named the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike it was designed by engineer Claudius Crozet, and took twenty years to complete. The Turnpike was the East-West passage for Virginians.

The very first Civil War battles were fought to seize control of this turnpike, testimony to its importance to both the federals and the partisans. At 4,400 feet, Camp Allegheny, just East of Bartow, was the highest battle of the War. Armies marched here.

The 'Durbin Route' was common terminology for the North/South railroad between Lewisburg, WV and Cumberland, MD. Durbin was the junction between the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) and the Western Maryland (WM) Railroads. Today, the rails and switches, which represented the end of one line and the beginning of another, are still operational. Trains changed crews here.

Time has taken away the armies and the heavy trains. Today we have the remains of their efforts to preserve and build upon. Parks have taken the place of battlefields. Scenic trains and rail trails are recycling the railroads. The turnpike is still active primarily as US Route 250. More and more Civil War, railroad and outdoor enthusiasts are visiting our area. Durbin is once again a hub of excitement.

 

If these hills could talk

GEOGRAPHY

Pocahontas County's elevation varies from 2,000 to 4,842 feet above sea level. Its average elevation exceeds any county east of the Rockies. It has been called the "Birthplace of Rivers". No streams flow into the county, but the headwaters of eight rivers can be found within its boundaries: Greenbrier, Cherry, Elk, Gauley, Cheat, Tygart Valley, Williams and Cranberry Rivers.

 

 
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Last update June 8, 2004        Eight Rivers Web Designs
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