Smoky Mountain Railways - Paperback

by Bob Plott (Author), Jacob Plott (Author)

The history of the Western North Carolina Railroad is a tale like no other, filled with tragedy, heroism, brains, blood, sweat, tears, nitroglycerin and humor.

Now a tourist mecca, the Great Smoky Mountains were a remote and inaccessible place until well after the Civil War. Using first enslaved and later convict labor the Western North Carolina Railroad and Murphy Branch connected the mountains with the remainder of the state by rail for the first time in 1891. The railroad brought commerce and tourism. Though its vital role was eventually eclipsed by the automobile, tourists and rail buffs continue to come to Bryson City to experience travel by steam train on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Local authors Jacob Morgan Plott and Bob Plott tell the story of a line that refused to die.

Author Biography

North Carolina native Jacob Morgan Plott is a lifelong train historian--especially trains from the southern Appalachians--and a renowned train photographer, as well as a NASCAR and country music historian. He was featured on National Public television at the age of five discussing trains. Bob Plott is the author of five award-winning books pertaining to the Plott hound and southern mountain history and culture, all published by The History Press. Bob and Jacob continue to perpetuate the family legacy, raising Plott hounds at their North Carolina home. www.bobplott.com.