Defunct Railroads

[Hank67]

Does anyone have any information on an old defunct narrow guage railroad that ran from Benwood WVA to Zanesville, OH abandoned probably in the 1920's. Called the B, Z & C RR.

I believe it stood for the Benwood Zanesville and Columbus Railway or possibly the Benwood Zanesville And Cumberland. I was told by some oldtimers that it was originally supposed to go all the way to Columbus Oh but Never made it passed Zanesville. It was known by some as the Bent Zigzag and crooked railroad because of the way it was constructed.

Any information would be appreciated.

 

 

[JamesP]

I went to my copy of "American Narrow Gauge Railroads" by George W. Hilton for some information.  You can find it listed under the entry for Ohio River & Western Railway on page 470 - 471.  BZ&C stands for Bellaire, Zanesville & Cincinnatti and ran 112 miles from Zanesville to Bellaire.  Construction began in 1877 and was completed in 1883.  The Pennsylvania Railroad took it over in 1912 and abandoned it in sections between 1928 to 1931.  Last train ran on Memorial Day of '31.  Hilton's book backs up the fact that this was a crooked, steep railroad, with 262 bridges and trestles and at least one tunnel.  Not sure if this book is still in print, but it is worth tracking down - it is a goldmine of narrow gauge information.

 - James

[rogruth]

Locally it was known as the Bent,Zigzag and Crooked the the Old Rickety and Wobbly.

I am from Bellaire and was able to follow the roadbed for many miles when I was a kid..

If you have more interest in this rilroad Hidden Treasures,The Story Of The Ohio River And Western Railway by Edward H. Cass eas published by Timber Times in 1997.

My grandmother rode the last train in 1931.

When I was in high school, I found some OR&W cars in a local junk yard.I took some pictures but lost them long ago.

 

 

[SSW9389]

Moody's gives the final abandonment as 1933. For additional financial information find a research library that has either Moody's Railroads or Poor's Railroads from the era you are looking for.

[rogruth]

The last revenue train ran in 1931.The later dates are for the track removal.

[SSW9389]

The date given in Moody's would be the Interstate Commerce Commission Abandonment date, which probably would coincide with the track removal date.

The last revenue train ran in 1931.The later dates are for the track removal.

[henry6]

I don't see where you are from...but on line, google it and see where it leads you.   Otherwise, check your library for W.VA and Ohio narrow guage lines, narrow guage in general, railroad histories in the area and in general.  Local historical societies, rail or otherwise are helpful,too.