Beginning as a narrow gauge line in 1880, its name and gauge changed in 1881 and in the ensuing years it opened a huge swathe of timber and coal territory in northern West Virginia to use, creating such towns as Elkins, Davis, and Thomas. A major connection was made with the C&O's Greenbrier Branch at Durbin, W. Va. in 1900. Sold to the Gould interests in 1902 it became an important part of the Western Maryland Railway in 1905 and contributed heavily to that road's prosperity in the coal and lumber trade down to modern times. This book is illustrated with superb photos, written in a cogent and informative style based on outstanding scholarly research in basic documents. The story is carried down through the WM and Chessie System eras to today's CSX operations on the remaining lines. A must for those interested in West Virginia, mountain railroading, and coal and lumber development. This is the second volume by this author. His West Virginia's Coal & Coke Railway - A B&O Predecessor, published by TLC last year, has been a best seller and has gathered great reviews for its completeness, accuracy, insight, and appearance. This new work is comparable! Read Less