The year was 1913 in the bustling town of New Martinsville.  The daily arrival of B&O’s Baldwin steam locomotives were always a highly anticipated event in the river community.  These trains played a vital role in providing towns with many of their everyday needs. The railroad’s miles of steel tracks were important arteries, carrying the trains that used them. The massive engine pulled countless rail cars laden with everything from farm equipment to the U.S. Mail.    But, more important than just supplies, it was the main source of transportation for those who traveled from town to town. 

The citizens of New Martinsville depended on the timely arrivals each day of the train at its depot. On the platform, one could see ladies in fine hats, and gentleman in linen summer suits waiting as the train slowed into the station. As the engine approached, it vented plumes of white steam onto the tracks, blowing dirt and spent cinders towards those who awaited its arrival. From the trains blacken stack, smoke bellowed upwards toward the mornings blue sky. Then came the familiar sound as the engineer pulled the trains whistle cord announcing. “It was high noon, and B&O engine 109 had once more returned to New Martinsville.”