ROANOKE, VA (LOOTPRESS) – The Norfolk & Western 1218 steam locomotive, an iconic piece of Virginia’s railroad history, has been officially designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
N&W 1218 used to operate on the N&W mainline that ran through West Virginia, now Norfolk Southern.
The National Register of Historic Places is the country’s official list of significant historical and cultural resources.
Being included on this list means the N&W 1218 will be safeguarded and maintained, allowing it to continue telling the story of steam-powered transportation and its impact on American society.
As a Virginia Historic Landmark, the 1218 is now officially recognized as a key part of the state’s industrial legacy.
The Norfolk & Western (N&W) Class “A” No. 1218 was built and delivered for service on June 2, 1943, by the Norfolk & Western Railway at its East End Shops in Roanoke.
It remains the only surviving Class “A” locomotive built by Norfolk & Western and the last remaining steam engine in the world with a “2-6-6-4” wheel arrangement.
Known for its cutting-edge design, the locomotive was one of the most powerful steam engines of the 20th century.
Originally in operation until 1959, the N&W 1218 routinely pulled freight trains at speeds of 70 miles per hour and was also used to transport troops and military equipment during World War II.
Restored in 1986, it was later used for passenger excursions from 1987 to 1991.
Today, the locomotive is on display at the Virginia Museum of Transportationin Roanoke, alongside the Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 Locomotive, which is also individually listed on the National Register.
“We are thrilled to see the N&W 1218 recognized for its historical significance,” said Mendy Flynn, Executive Director of the Virginia Museum of Transportation.
“This designation acknowledges the role that the Norfolk & Western Railway played in shaping the economic and industrial landscape of Virginia and the United States. The 1218’s inclusion on the National Register ensures that future generations will continue to learn about and appreciate this extraordinary piece of American history.”
The designation will also support ongoing preservation efforts and public education programs about the evolution of railroads, steam locomotive technology, and their broader impact on the U.S. transportation industry.
The N&W 1218’s recognition adds to the growing list of historic landmarks in Virginia that celebrate the state’s industrial history.
“The Norfolk & Western Class A locomotives are often regarded as one of the finest steam locomotive designs ever built, blending raw power, precision engineering, and unparalleled efficiency, becoming icons of American railroading history,” said Zac McGinnis, Railroad Exhibit Historian for the Virginia Museum of Transportation.
“The Virginia Museum of Transportation is incredibly thankful and blessed to have two iconic locomotives like the 1218 and 611 in its collection, preserving a vital piece of railroad history and sharing these magnificent locomotives with the world for future generations to admire and experience.”
