Fayette Central Railroad

The Fayette Central Railroad begins its third season in Fayette County in 2008. In 2006 and 2007, over 4000 visitors arrived in Dunbar representing 25 states and four countries. The FCRR continues its tradition of special runs on holidays and for special occasions, such as Dunbar Community Fest Day, September 27, 2008. Visit their website for more information.

The route of the FCRR has a long history. The Fairmont, Morgantown and Pittsburgh Railroad Company operated between Uniontown, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia on what became known as the “Sheepskin Route.” There are two stories about the nickname. One is that farmers raised sheep and some would get loose and block the tracks. The second explanation is that Morgantown is home to West Virginia University, where students received their sheepskins (diplomas) when they graduated.

In the 1890s, the B&O Railroad acquired the FM&P and the 11 miles of track from Uniontown to the B&O main line. Regular passenger service ended in 1953 and in the 1980s, the Chessie System removed the tracks from Smithfield, Pennsylvania to Morgantown, West Virginia. In 1996 CSXT sold the remaining line to the Fay-Penn Industrial Development Corporation. Currently, the Southwest Pennsylvania Railroad handles freight service and the FCRR offers tourist rides on the “Sheepskin Line."

Fayette Railroad Continued...click here