Submitter Names: Let’s Go Railfanning (Ian and Rob Thaeler)
Site Name: James Rumsey Monument
Address: 206 North Mill Street, Shepherdstown, WV
Description: The site is a monument to James Rumsey, a pioneer of Potomac River navigation. The monument site overlooks the Potomac River and offers great views of the high metal railroad bridge. This is one of the most scenic railroad spots on the NS Hagerstown Line.
Railway Companies: Norfolk Southern
District: Hagerstown Line / NS Virginia Division
Approx. Number of Trains / Day: Up to 20
Appealing Aspects: The bridge adds a great element to enhance photography on this site, although during the summer months, vegetation can sometimes obscure parts of the bridge. The track and bridge can be seen from the south, which generally provides good lighting angles for photography throughout most of the day. The site is also close to a defect detector and Hagerstown Dispatch, allowing train information to be heard on the scanner, especially for southbound trains. Trains typically run at track speed in this area.
Significant Junctions / Yards / Stations: Closest is Vardo Yard in Hagerstown, MD.
Milepost: 15
Scanner Frequencies: NS Road – AAR 58 -160.950.
Restaurants: Lots of restaurant offerings in Shepherdstown particularly near the University. Choices include Mexican, Asian, American, French, Pizza, etc. We don’t have a recommendation, but we’re sure good stuff can be found!
