Belhaven to celebrate National Train Day
Published 3:04 pm Tuesday, May 4, 2021
- CELEBRATION BY THE CABOOSE: National Train Day will be celebrated on May 8, 2021 in Belhaven. The celebration will be held by the caboose parked in Belhaven next to the police station. Efforts are currently underway to include the caboose in a public garden that should open later this year. (Photo submitted by Donald Stark)
National Train Day was established in 2008 to recognize the important role railroads have played in throughout our nation’s history. Prior to the 20th century, trains represented the fastest means of overland transportation. Many towns grew up around having access to the railroad. This was certainly true of towns throughout North Carolina, including towns like Belhaven. It was the coming of the Albemarle and Pantego Railroad and later the Norfolk and Southern Railroad that put Belhaven on the map.
To celebrate this vital role, Belhaven will celebrate National Train Day on Saturday, May 8, 2021 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Southern Caboose X682 next to the Police Station on Main Street in Belhaven. There will be caboose tours, railroad artifacts on display, and outdoor model trains running throughout the day. This will include trains that young visitors will be able to operate.