Short-line railroads were small railroads built to serve towns, coal mines, or industries that big railroads didn’t reach. They often felt more like part of the community than big companies. Some were built with narrow tracks to save money but were later changed to standard tracks.

These lines carried lumber, coal, farm goods, and even tourists. Some had short lifespans, like Mineral County's Twin Mountain & Potomac that served peach orchards for only six years. Others lasted longer, such as Fayette County's Mann’s Creek Railroad, which ran until 1956.

Many short lines eventually became part of larger railroads like the B&O or C&O. Most are now gone, but a few survive today, like the South Branch Valley and West Virginia Central, which still run freight and tourist trains.