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Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society

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Clifton Forge, VA
Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society

The C&O Historical Society is dedicated to the study and preservation of the history of the C&O Railway. Contact us with questions or requests at [email protected].
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Based in Clifton Forge, Virginia, the Society has over 2,000 members. We publish a quarterly color magazine, books, and operate two museum locations.

06/19/2026

Did You Know? One of the most beloved mascots in railroad history wasn't a locomotive—it was a kitten.

In 1933, the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway introduced "Chessie" as part of an advertising campaign promoting its new air-conditioned sleeping cars. The famous slogan encouraged travelers to "Sleep Like a Kitten." The campaign became so popular that Chessie quickly became one of the most recognizable railroad symbols in America.

Today, Chessie continues to represent the rich heritage of the C&O Railway and remains a favorite among railfans and collectors alike.

Looking for Chessie-themed gifts and collectibles? Visit the https://chessieshop.com and bring a little railroad history home.

Share your favorite Chessie item in the comments!

06/03/2026

We are grateful to our friends at 304Urbe### for highlighting our "Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Through the New River Gorge" calendar trilogy published several years ago that featured many never-published photos from our archive!

Within these three calendars, not counting the covers, 36 frame-worthy photos (24 in black & white and 12 color), each measuring 12" x 12", serve as a rich pictorial history of the railroad and industrial heritage of this rugged region where nature was conquered by machines and human grit throughout the 20th century. Each calendar is 28 total pages with 80-lb Gloss for each month and a 100-lb Gloss cover.

This C&OHS publication was made even more unique with a special written dedication to two retired railroaders in each calendar, complete with personal photos and tributes to their lives and careers working on the C&O. The six total honorees recognized in the "Chesapeake & Ohio Through the New River Gorge" trilogy are Dorothy Jean Boley, Marvin Plumley, Leonard L. Claytor, Eric Pack, Stewart Shannon, and Arthur Hoffman.

With a timeline of photos that spans from the late 1800s to 1987, the calendar trilogy features the most extensive collection of photos and historical captions about the New River Gorge that has been published by the C&O Historical Society in recent years. Covered extensively by newspapers in multiple states each year since its original release, the remaining quantities of "Chesapeake & Ohio Through the New River Gorge" are an incredible bundle of iconic C&O imagery and information in this region of West Virginia where the "machine in the garden" created a set of historical circumstances unmatched by any American railroad.

Remaining quantities are available to order online or in person at the upcoming C&OHS at the St. Albans Depot in West Virginia.

2022
https://chessieshop.com/product/calendar-2022-chesapeake-ohio-through-the-new-river-gorge/

2023
https://chessieshop.com/product/calendar-2023-co-through-the-new-river-gorge/

2024, Twilight in the Wilderness (color)
https://chessieshop.com/product/calendar-2024-co-new-river-gorge-twilight-in-the-wilderness/

06/01/2026

For industrial sites in proximity to fumes, chemicals, or any above-average risk of fire, "steam pot" locomotives were sometimes used by the C&O Railway and other line-side industries for switching duties. Because steam pots (referred to by railfans as "fireless cookers") were fueled from a stationary steam source, rather than by a more traditional on-board power plant that burned coal or some other fuel, their lack of fire or combustion made operation on industrial properties and inside structures much safer.

Shown switching on power plant trackage near Cabin Creek, West Virginia, the Appalachian Power Company's 0-4-0 steam pot locomotive, built by the H. K. Porter Company in 1945, is an example of these unique fireless locomotives with their own page in American railroading history. Later residing in St. Albans and Hinton, Appalachian Power's former Porter steam pot was relocated this month via highway for permanent display on the West Virginia Capitol Complex in Charleston.

05/30/2026

The C&O Railway Heritage Festival Starts TODAY!

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Head to Clifton Forge and experience one of the Alleghany Highlands' favorite traditions at the 2026 C&O Railway Heritage Festival!

Bring the whole family and enjoy:
🚂 Little C&O Train Rides
🛤️ Incredible Model Train Layouts
🏛️ Museum & Historic Railcar Tours
🛍️ Vendors & Shopping
🍔 Food & Refreshments
🏰 Bouncy House & Family Activities
📸 Unique Railroad History & Photo Opportunities

Plus, don't miss the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience, an interactive museum-on-wheels bringing Virginia's history to life right on Main Street!

Whether you're a lifelong railroad enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a great family outing, there's something for everyone. Best of all, admission is FREE!

Come celebrate the railroad heritage that helped build our community and create memories with family and friends all weekend long.

📍 C&O Railway Heritage Center
📅 Today & Tomorrow | May 30–31
🚂 Clifton Forge, Virginia

See you at the depot!

05/29/2026

All aboard for one of the Alleghany Highlands' favorite traditions!

Join the C&O Historical Society for the 2026 C&O Railway Heritage Festival on May 30th–31st at the historic C&O Railway Heritage Center in Clifton Forge. This family-friendly event celebrates the rich railroad heritage that helped shape our community and the nation.

Enjoy:
🚂 Little C&O Train Rides
🛤️ Model Train Layouts
🏛️ Tours of the museum and historic rolling stock
🛍️ Vendors and shopping
🍔 Food and refreshments
🏰 Bouncy House and family activities
📸 Plenty of railroad history and photo opportunities for all ages!

Admission is FREE, making it the perfect weekend outing for train enthusiasts, families, history lovers, and anyone looking for a fun community event. Train rides on the Little C&O are available for a small additional fee.

VA250 Mobile Museum will be located in Clifton Forge during our festival. The museum will be parked on Main Street, providing easy access for attendees. A hands-on, interactive, and immersive “museum on wheels,” the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience titled “Out of Many, One” is housed in an expandable tractor-trailer that is traveling throughout Virginia and beyond. The mobile museum brings key stories of Virginia’s rich history to schools, museums, local events, fairs, and more, highlighting every region of the state.

Whether you're reliving memories of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway or introducing a new generation to the magic of railroading, the C&O Railway Heritage Festival is an event you won't want to miss!

https://chessieshop.com/event/co-railway-heritage-festival/

📍 C&O Railway Heritage Center
📅 May 30–31, 2026
🚂 Clifton Forge, Virginia

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy every day, and their legacy continues to inspire generations.

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the families who continue to carry their memory.

From all of us at the C&O Historical Society, we wish you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. May we never forget the courage, dedication, and service of our nation's fallen heroes.

❤️🤍💙

05/23/2026

Railfans make history together.

From collectors to families to historians, our community keeps the legacy of the C&O alive.

We're proud to be part of a tradition that continues to inspire.

Visit https://chessieshop.com and join the journey!

05/22/2026

Preserving the past for the future.

Every purchase and membership supports efforts to document, protect, and share the story of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway.

Thank you for helping keep history alive.

Support preservation today - https://chessieshop.com/donations/donation-to-co-historical-society/

05/20/2026

Looking for the perfect gift?

Whether it's a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, Chessie merchandise makes a thoughtful gift for any railfan.

There's something for everyone — young and old.

Shop gifts today - https://chessieshop.com/shop/

05/19/2026

This Giving Tuesday, Help Preserve the History of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway!

Every artifact, photograph, document, and story helps keep the rich heritage of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway alive for future generations.

When you support the C&O Historical Society, you're helping preserve railroad history, maintain exhibits at the C&O Railway Heritage Center, expand educational programs, and share the stories that shaped our communities.

Join us this Giving Tuesday and help ensure that the legacy of the C&O Railway continues down the tracks for generations to come.

Donate. Preserve. Inspire.

Donate to the C&O Historical Society by visiting https://www.givelocalah.org/organization/Chesapeake-And-Ohio-Historical-Society

Address

312 E. Ridgeway Street
Clifton Forge, VA
24422

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.cohs.org/

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