Rails in Richmond

by Carlton Norris McKenney

Fascinating history of the electric street railway system in Richmond, Virginia and the interurbans to Ashland and Petersburg. Richmond was where Frank J. Sprague began his electrifying career by first demonstrating a practical method for propelling an electric car and building on that, Richmond created a splendid trolley system with suburban and interurban lines. This book describes life before the trolleys (when horsecars were the only alternative), and then, after Sprague's success, the competition for streetcar franchises, their construction and expansion throughout the area, the parks and suburban development that followed, and a detailed look at the various routes. Also covers the trollibus and the Conduit Railway. With sections on the electric power, the tracks, carbarns and shops, signals, accidents, and the 18th Street elevator. Illustrated throughout with black and white photos, maps, and diagrams. With roster and two large foldout maps in the rear. 192 pages with index.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986