Address
3601 RF&P Drive
Henrico, VA
Geo Coordinates
37.676655, -77.512410Description
Box Car
Freight Service
In the early years of operation, RF&P railroads derived little revenue from its freight service. Most goods were transported by river and then by wagon.
After the Civil War, the railroad was joined with others to form a national system. Freight service increased dramatically because of the railroad’s location along routes that connected to the vibrant East Coast markets.
In the 1880s, RF&P became an important link for the transportation of fruits and vegetables from the South to the northern markets. Special ventilated cars transported strawberries, melons and vegetables from the Carolinas and vegetables and citrus fruit from Florida. In 1900, freight exceeded passenger service revenue.
Eventually, freight service included moving everything from farm implements, agricultural, forest and mineral products to miscellaneous merchandise such as the automobile. In 1991, RF&P was sold to CSX Corporation ending freight service under RF&P management.
