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Trip Planner:   USA  /  Virginia  /  Danville  /  Wreck of the Old 97

Wreck of the Old 97, Danville

4.2
#12 of 13 in Things to do in Danville
Historic Site · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot
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The Wreck of the Old 97 was an American rail disaster involving the Southern Railway mail train, officially known as the Fast Mail (train number 97), while en route from Monroe, Virginia, to Spencer, North Carolina, on September 27, 1903. Travelling at an excessive speed in an attempt to maintain schedule, the train derailed at the Stillhouse Trestle near Danville, Virginia, where it careened off the side of the bridge, killing 11 on-board personnel and injuring seven others. The wreck inspired a famous railroad ballad, which was the focus of a convoluted copyright lawsuit but became seminal in the genre of country music.
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Wreck of the Old 97 reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
12 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By evelynhX3251OD
    the exact location is in 505 Riverside Dr Danville, VA 24540 a few feet from convenience store you can see the sign 
    the exact location is in 505 Riverside Dr Danville, VA 24540 a few feet from convenience store you can see the sign  more »
  • By Jack C
    The Wreck of the Old 97 happened because the engineer was told to make up the lost time. Officials deny giving the order, but the mail contract had a large fine for every minute the mail train was... 
    The Wreck of the Old 97 happened because the engineer was told to make up the lost time. Officials deny giving the order, but the mail contract had a large fine for every minute the mail train was...  more »
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