The Norfolk & Western Railway (N&W) played a big role in opening southwestern West Virginia’s coalfields. It was formed in 1881 and soon built tracks to reach coal-rich areas, especially around Bluefield. In 1883, the first load of Pocahontas coal reached Norfolk, starting a major coal boom.

The N&W built new lines through the mountains and eventually reached the Ohio River. It helped towns grow and supported many jobs. Even though West Virginia tried to stop railroads from owning coal companies, the N&W still influenced coal mining through its own company.

Despite going bankrupt in the 1890s, the N&W recovered and kept growing. It added more tracks, connected to big cities like Cincinnati and Columbus, and improved its routes. It became known for powerful steam locomotives, which it used longer than most railroads.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the N&W expanded by buying other railroads. Then in 1982, it merged with the Southern Railway to form Norfolk Southern. Today, Norfolk Southern is one of the biggest railroads in the U.S., and along with CSX, one of only two major rail operators remaining in West Virginia.