Inwood Railroad Tracks

There have been many days that we have walked the tracks in Inwood. Not miles of walking or anything like that, but just a short distance of the tracks between Sylvan Grove to Route 51 as we would take a neighborhood walk. This small stretch of tracks always fascinates me.

It is so peaceful on the tracks. No cars. No people. Nothing but trees that line the tracks. There are some houses through the trees, but nobody has ever been around, and luckily no trains have ever interrupted our walk.

Years ago, I was doing some research on my house. Anyone that has been around this neighborhood from the late 1950’s through the 1960’s knows that my house was moved when the Interstate was built. As I tried to find news article or pictures of my house from the early days, what I did find was “A History of Inwood, West Virginia,” published by The Berkeley County Historical Society.

What I discovered from this book, was that this little town exists because of two reasons:

1. The Cumberland Valley Railroad (C.V.R.R.)
2. Inwood Park (originally called Strong’s Grove)

In August 1889, the C.V.R.R railroad opened, extending from Martinsburg, WV to Winchester, VA, and J.W. Strong established a campground called “Strong’s Grove,” which later became Inwood Park.

Who knew that Inwood Park was once a very happenin’ place, and the railroad brought people into the area for special events, like the Inwood Fair. At one time, Inwood Park had a clubhouse, bowling alley, shooting gallery, dancing pavilion, and so much more. But, Inwood Park later became Musselman canning facility and vinegar distillery in 1920, and to this day, it is now Connections Community Church at the Plant.

So much history along side the railroad tracks. Although Inwood may not have all the fabulous things that Inwood Park once provided, it is a great place to live, and the railroad is still running today. The train may not be bringing people into the area these days, but I can hear it’s whistle from my house as the train passes through town.