Published: October 03, 2006 09:55 am         

Whitewater River Valley History

The present Whitewater Valley Railroad was formed as a not-for-profit corporation in 1972, and began weekend passenger operations in 1974 on 25 miles of leased Penn Central track between Connersville and Brookville, reports the organization’s Web site www.whitewatervalleyrr.org.

After a substantial washout closed the track between Metamora and Brookville in 1974, Penn Central lifted four miles of track in 1976. The remaining 18 miles of line from Connersville through Metamora were formally purchased by the railroad in 1983, followed later by an additional mile of track in Connersville.

Operations have always been entirely by volunteers, supplemented by a paid office manager. Track upgrading has been assisted by matching grants, totalling over $1 million since 1994.

The railroad operates historically significant diesel locomotives and open window coaches on a regular basis from Connersville to Metamora. Another train comprised of a locomotive and one or two coaches known as the Metamora Shuttle carries passengers further south on a two-mile excursion along the restored canal, past the canal boat dock, a working aqueduct and a restored lock, according to the site.