CSX West Virginia and the Coal Industry History

The tracks and facilities operated by CSX in West Virginia have a lot of historical significance to our state. I wanted to address some key points of that below. Particularly Huntington and Danville which were shaped by the railroad every bit as much as the river and mountains that flow through. For better or worse this was how we exported all of our natural wealth to the world.

The History of CSX Corporation in West Virginia: Railroads, Coal, and Community

CSX Corporation’s legacy in West Virginia is deeply intertwined with the state’s industrial and transportation history, shaped by coal mining, railroad consolidation, and economic shifts. From its predecessor railroads to modern-day challenges, CSX’s operations in West Virginia—particularly in Huntington and Danville—reflect broader trends in the rail industry and Appalachia’s energy landscape.

Early Roots: The Chessie System and Coal Dominance

CSX’s presence in West Virginia traces back to historic railroads like the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), both pivotal in developing the region’s coal infrastructure. The C&O, founded in 1836, expanded into West Virginia by 1873 under Collis P. Huntington, reaching the city that now bears his name: Huntington. This route became a lifeline for transporting coal from Appalachia to ports like Newport News, Virginia.

The B&O, chartered in 1827, also played a critical role, connecting Baltimore to Wheeling, West Virginia, by 1852. By the 20th century, coal accounted for a third of B&O’s revenue—a pattern that continued under CSX. Mergers in the 1960s–1980s, including the union of Chessie System (C&O/B&O) and Seaboard Coast Line Industries, formed CSX Corporation in 1980, consolidating rail networks across the East.

Huntington: A Railroad Hub Faces Decline

Huntington, West Virginia, emerged as a cornerstone of CSX’s operations. Named after C&O founder Collis P. Huntington, the city housed administrative offices, a locomotive shop, and yards critical for managing coal traffic from Central Appalachian mines. The Huntington Division once oversaw routes spanning Tennessee, Ohio, and coastal Virginia, including former C&O, B&O, and Clinchfield lines.

However, by 2016, CSX announced the closure of the Huntington Division’s administrative offices, consolidating operations into nine divisions nationwide. This decision impacted 121 employees, including dispatchers and yardmasters, with responsibilities redistributed to Atlanta, Baltimore, and other divisions. The closure was driven by a $1.4 billion decline in coal revenue over four years, attributed to competition from natural gas and regulatory pressures. Notably, the Huntington locomotive shop and rail yards remained operational, preserving some jobs, while the historic C&O depot faced redevelopment talks.

Danville: A Coal Country Crossroads

Danville, situated in Boone County along the Little Coal River, served as a vital coal marshaling yard for over a century. Under the C&O and later CSX, Danville’s rail network—including the Coal River Subdivision—assembled trains for transporting Central Appalachian coal to markets. The town’s rail infrastructure, such as the Laurel Fork and Pond Fork subdivisions, linked mines to mainlines at St. Albans, West Virginia.

By the 21st century, Danville’s role diminished as unit trains (dedicated coal trains) reduced the need for manual assembly. Environmental challenges also loomed: decades of mining pollution had devastated the Little Coal River, though recent recovery efforts restored fish populations and recreational use. CSX’s transition to GE locomotives, like the CW44AC and ES44 series, underscored the shift toward efficiency amid declining coal demand.

They don’t leave gold or diamonds out like this!

Economic Shifts and CSX’s Modern Era

The decline of Appalachian coal—CSX’s historic backbone—forced restructuring. By 2016, natural gas accounted for 33% of U.S. electricity generation, surpassing coal, while EPA regulations accelerated power plant closures. CSX adapted by diversifying into intermodal shipping and acquiring competitors like Conrail (1999) and Pan Am Railways (2022), expanding its northeastern reach.

In West Virginia, CSX’s footprint persists with over 2,000 miles of track and 1.7 million annual carloads (2014), though employment and administrative roles have dwindled. The company’s 2017 leadership shift under CEO Hunter Harrison emphasized cost-cutting and operational streamlining, further reshaping its Appalachian presence.

Legacy and Challenges Ahead

CSX’s history in West Virginia mirrors Appalachia’s economic transitions. Towns like Huntington and Danville remain symbols of railroading’s golden age, yet their futures hinge on energy policy and infrastructure innovation. While CSX continues investing in technology and logistics, communities grapple with job losses and environmental recovery.

For West Virginia, CSX’s story is one of resilience—a testament to railroads’ enduring role in shaping the region, even as the tracks ahead curve toward an uncertain horizon.

Sources: CSX Corporation History, Huntington Division Closure, Danville’s Rail Legacy.

Boone County Courthouse: Madison, WV

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*GPS Coordinate Data Provided on bottom left corner with date and speed*
Destinations in West Virginia by appearance:
South Charleston (B, 30:00)
US60/MacCorkle Avenue
Dunbar
Institute
Cross Lanes (8:00)
Nitro Marketplace
Nitro (18:00)
Charleston (1:00:00)
Kanawha City (1:10:00)
35th Street Bridge – WV61/MacCorkle Avenue – Kanawha Avenue
East End (1:49:00) – East End Plaza (2:06:30)
WV State Capitol Complex (2:00:00)
Spring Hill Cemetary (2:11:30)
Hinton Terrace (2:24:00)
Alum Creek (2:47:00)
US119/Corridor G
Julian (3:00:00)
Danville (3:16:30)
Madison (3:20:00)

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