Today's rustic photo represents a bygone era. The above rail cars, to the right of a pile of used railroad ties, look retired. The scene gives the illusion of being in a rural area, when actually is is located on a busy section of road on Spring Garden Street between Gay Terrace and Merritt Drive. It is very near the site of the long-gone Pomona Cotton Mill. It reminds us that Greensboro has changed a lot over the last few decades.
However, the Norfolk Southern Corp still maintains the track that runs through this area (barely visible on the right side) with a terminal at Merritt Drive. Norfolk Southern is a dynamic corporation that still carries over 70 freight trains in North Carolina. Greensboro is nicknamed "The Gate City" because so many freight and passenger lines cross through here and the rail network dates back to the mid-1800s, before the Civil War. Let today's little bit of nostalgia remind you that planning a train ride would be a great addition to your summer plans- even if you just took Amtrack to another North Carolina City. With the taxi and car ride-hailing services widely available, you have plenty of transportation options as you reach your destination. While you wouldn't be going on the above cars, you do get an idea of some of the pretty scenery you would see along the way.
If you like catchy rail slogans, Norfolk Southern has had several: Tarwheel, is our favorite. As for Amtrak, our choice is "For the America you can't see anywhere else." Hop on for a little nostalgia this summer. Happy Tuesday! Public schools are rapidly coming to a close for the academic year; so, many of us really do need to secure some summer plans!
Our freight lines remain to the south of the core. Even our passenger rail line stays out of the downtown.
Posted by: William Kendall | Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 07:24 AM