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Virginia Interurbans and Streetcar Railroads

The information included here covers a general history of Virginia interurbans and streetcar railroads once operated throughout the state. Interurban railroad systems were once a common form of transportation for many towns both large and small although they began to fall out of favor in the 1930s and 1940s for the common automobile as its technology and better highways became vastly improved and more reliable. While interurbans served a vital transportation purpose prior to reliable autos and highways from a historical perspective they are fascinating because of many small companies that popped up and also disappeared nearly overnight. During the peak of interurban operations in the country there were even several builders of motorcars including J. G. Brill & Company, St. Louis Car Company, Pullman-Standard, American Car Company, Standard Steel and the Jewett Car Company.

The information below includes short paragraph descriptions of most Virginia interurbans and streetcar railroads.

Arlington & Fairfax Electric Railway: The Arlington & Fairfax Electric Railway began operations in 1891 connecting its namesake towns. Streetcar operations survived until 1937 when buses replaced railroad services.

Washington, Alexandria & Mount Vernon Electric Railway: The Washington, Alexandria & Mount Vernon Electric Railway served the Alexandria area beginning operations in 1892. It was renamed the Alexandria, Barcroft & Washington Transit Company in 1921 and discontinued streetcar railroad operations in 1932.

Charlottesville & University Street Railway: The Charlottesville & University Street Railway served the City of Charlottesville and Virginia University. It began operations in 1887 on a five-mile railroad system and was renamed the Charlottesville & Albemarle Railway in 1903. Streetcar operations survived until 1935.

Danville Street Car Company: The Danville Street Car Company began operations in 1886 serving its namesake city. It was renamed the Danville Railway & Electric Company in 1900 and again changed hands in 1911 as the Danville Traction & Power Company. Streetcar operations survived until 1938.

Lynchburg Street Railway Company: The Lynchburg Street Railway Company began operations in 1891 serving its namesake city. It was renamed a number of times during its existence including as the Lynchburg Electric Railway & Light Company (1898) and Lynchburg Traction & Light Company (1901). Streetcar services survived until 1941.

Norfolk City Railway: The Norfolk City Railway was the first of many interurban railroads to serve the port city, dating back to 1866 as a horse-powered operation. It was renamed the Norfolk Street Railroad in 1894, again in 1899 as the Norfolk Railway & Light Company, again in 1902 as the Norfolk & Portsmouth Traction Company, and finally in 1911 as the Virginia Railway & Power Company. Streetcar service survived until the mid-1940s when buses replaced railroad operations.

Newport News, Hampton & Old Point Railway: The Newport News, Hampton & Old Point Railway served the Newport News area beginning operation in 1891. It was renamed three more times during operations as the Newport News & Old Point Railway & Electric Company (1898), Newport News & Hampton Railway Gas & Electric Company (1914) and finally as the Citizens Rapid Transit Company in 1925. Streetcar service survived until 1945.

Richmond Railway: The Richmond Railway is one of the oldest interurbans to ever operate in the country dating back to 1860 and operations were actually suspended during the Civil War. In 1881 it was renamed the Richmond City Railway Company and changed hands several more times during streetcar service (Richmond Passenger & Power Company, 1900; Virginia Passenger & Power Company, 1901; Virginia Railway & Power Company, 1909; Virginia Electric & Power Company, 1925; and finally in 1944 as the Virginia Transit Company). Streetcar service survived until 1949.

Petersburg Electric Railway: The Petersburg Electric Railway began operations in 1896 taking over from several smaller operations serving Petersburg. This operation did not last long as it was renamed the South Side Railway & Development Company in the same year. In 1901 it was renamed the Virginia Passenger & Power Company, again in 1909 as the Virginia Railway & Power Company and finally in 1925 as the Virginia Electric & Power Company. Streetcar service remained until 1936.

Roanoke Street Railway: The Roanoke Street Railway began operations in 1887 serving its namesake city. It was renamed the Roanoke Railway & Electric Company in 1901 and carried on streetcar operations until 1940 when services were abandoned.

Other notable Virginia interurbans:

Washington, Arlington & Falls Church Railway

Bristol Street Car Company

Norfolk & Atlantic Terminal Company

Norfolk & Ocean View Railway

Roanoke Railway & Light Company

Shenandoah Traction Company

Virginia Electric Power Company

For a small gallery of photographs highlighting Virginia interurbans and streetcar railroads please click here.

For more reading on Virginia interurbans consider picking up a copy of the book The Electric Interurban Railways in America by authors George Hilton and John Due. Many consider their book to be the quintessential resource guide to the interurban and streetcar railroad movement that was once so common in our country during the first half of the 20th century. At nearly 500 pages the book is stuffed full of information on trolley operations and covers virtually every topic on the subject. If you have any interest in trolleys and interurban railroads and/or would like to learn more about their history I would strongly consider Mr. Hilton and Mr. Due's book first before purchasing any other. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit the link below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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