Noke News explores parts of Roanoke by foot, equipped with a camera and a notepad, in hopes of learning something new. Perhaps you will too.

This is Part 2 of a 2 part series. To read Part 1, click over to Exploring Roanoke - The Railwalk (Part 1)

Elevated Platform About Halfway Along the Railwalk

We previously left off right here, on the elevated ‘train station’ platform, which is about halfway along The Railwalk in downtown Roanoke. As you know this Railwalk runs right next to the real train tracks just beyond the fence.

As promised there’s more to see in the way of railroad memorabilia and interactive exhibits, so let’s venture forth:

At the top of this incline platform is another set of interactive signals, but these are completely visual.

Traffic Light Fixture to the Right, Controls to the Left

On either end of this elevated boardwalk are railroad signal fixtures. The control buttons are located attached to the fence at the top of platform.

These are the traffic lights of the trains, and here you get to experience what it’s like to be in control.

And further along the second half of the Railwalk there are more historical markers, mounted directly on a train axle.

This one in particular is about the former headquarters of Norfolk and Western which I believe refer to the still standing (since the late 1800s) brick buildings seen in the background of the photo.

Shortly ahead when looking up and over the fence there’s a view of The Hotel Roanoke, which is matched with another marker just like this one.

And using old photos and a brief history, the marker describes the nearby historic hotel.

Next up may be the most well-known monument along the Railwalk, resting at the intersection where Norfolk Avenue meets Jefferson Street.

Railkwalk Monument at Intersection of Norfolk Avenue and Jefferson Street

The shape is easily recognizable as our fair state, and with the frontside filled with smaller markers depicting other railroad tracks and destinations.

A modest waterfall also exists beneath the sign and gathers in a narrow reservoir at the base.

Another fragment of historical railroad operation sits as an old railcar along the path.

The railcar has even been placed on a small section of track, also with an accompanying plaque and information on it’s origin and use.

Also, looking closely off to the right in the photo, another train is passing by beyond the fence and causing a gentle rumble in the area.

As we approach the final part of the Railwalk there are a series of five more monuments, each featuring large plaques.

On these plaques are additional details and pictures about the locomotives and railways.

Monuments with Plaques of Information of and about the Railroad

And, appropriately enough, the following is placed in the ground at the very end. (Incidently, just off to the right the road is currently closed to traffic and this is where construction on the new museum is taking place.)

End of the (Railwalk) Line

As I briefly reflect on the experience of the Railwalk, I admit that like all Exploring Roanoke posts I don’t aim to cover everything. I mean, what fun would that be? There’s even more than I’ve written about along the walk in the form of other historical markers, train exhibits, and photos of the earlier days. It’s a thoughtful walk, and one I encourage you to take sometime.