Atlantic Coast Line Railroad: Clinchfield Connection

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Clinchfield Railroad
CSX Blue RIdge Subdivision

The CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision, the old Clinchfield line south of Erwin is now reopen after the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. The first revenue freight train ran on September 21st, and two coal trains followed on September 25th. Ribbon cutting photo by Mark Loewe. . Use this link to see Designs in Orbit’s exceptional video updates with drone footage. Also, Train Chaser Elliot provides wonderful coverage.  Click here to read about the monumental CSX rebuilding efforts on Clinchfield.org. In the weeks ahead we will add much more content chronicling the events of the past year.

Atlantic Coast Line Railroad: Clinchfield Connection

Atlantic Coast Line Railroad

The Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) connected with the Clinchfield Railroad at Spartanburg SC. Prior to 1959, the connection was actually with the Charleston & Western Carolina (C&WC) Railway, an ACL subsidiary. In 1959, the ACL absorbed the line, and the ACL/CRR direct connection was achieved.

This connection was important to both railroads for multiple reasons:

  • The Clinchfield was actually leased by the ACL & L&N, but operated as an independent subsidiary beginning in 1924.
  • The ACL, Clinchfield, and the C&O partnered on a manifest freight business that connected Chicago, Detroit, and other northern cities….with Florida and other southern markets. Click here to read more about the manifest partnership.
  • More and more coal passed from the Clinchfield to the ACL for delivery to southern electric generating plants.
  • In 1982, the ACL, Clinchfield and L&N merged to become the Seaboard System. Then in 1986 the Seaboard System would become a major part of today’s CSX Railroad.

Clinchfield Railroad Spartanburg Tunnel

For many years, the transfer of cars and trains to the ACL/CW&C was handled by the Southern Railway which fought multiple attempts by the Clinchfield to directly connect to the ACL/CW&C. During this time, the Southern was able to charge both railroads for the transfers that amounted to just hundreds of feet across the Southern mainline.

Finally in 1962, after numerous quarrels and negotiations between the railroads, a tunnel was constructed, crossing under the Southern allowing for direct connection to the ACL/C&WC and also the Piedmont & Northern Railway.

Click here for more information on the Spartanburg Tunnel.

Atlantic Coast Line Railroad

The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL) was a U.S. Class I railroad that operated across the Southeast for almost seventy years. Formed in 1900, after merging several smaller railroads, the ACL’s main line went from Richmond, Virginia, to Tampa, Florida. It became a respected and financially stable company, known for its strategic expansion and efficient operations.

The ACL played a major role in the economic growth of the Southeast, particularly Florida, transporting agricultural and manufactured goods. The railroad was also known for streamlined passenger trains, like the Champion, which transported tourists from the Northeast to Florida. Its locomotives were notable for their purple, silver, and yellow color scheme during the diesel era.

Despite competition from the Seaboard Air Line, the ACL remained profitable, surviving the Great Depression without bankruptcy. In 1967, it merged with the Seaboard Air Line to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. The original ACL routes became a core part of today’s CSX Transportation network.

Clinchfield.org Sources and Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the Clinchfield Railroad. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Clinchfield.org. Much of the content on the website is verified across multiple sources.

Clinchfield Railroad

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