What significant railway line once carried coal from West Virginia to the east?

The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) played a crucial role in transporting coal from the rich coal fields of West Virginia to eastern markets. Built in the mid-19th century, the C&O was specifically designed to connect the coal-producing regions of the Kanawha Valley and other areas in West Virginia to key transportation hubs on the East Coast, particularly in Virginia and beyond.

Significantly, the C&O facilitated the shipping of West Virginia's abundant coal resources, which became vital for fueling industrial growth in the eastern United States. This railway line not only served as a major artery for coal transportation but also contributed to the economic development and connectivity of the region. Its establishment directly influenced West Virginia's role in the coal industry, making it one of the leading coal producers in the nation during its peak.

While other railways mentioned, such as the Norfolk and Western Railway and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, also played important roles in the transportation of coal in West Virginia, the C&O was particularly renowned for its strategic routes that maximized coal exports eastward.