Preliminary Field Work
March 17, 2015
The DC2RVA team recognizes the immensely rich history of the project area. From prehistoric campsites to historic dwellings--and even the rail line itself--buildings and sites along the corridor represent places and events that shaped our nation. Preliminary on-the-ground field work to identify properties of historic significance along the rail line began in January 2015. Property owners are being notified by mail at least 15 days before project team members will begin the field work portion of the project in their area. The first phase of work includes a brief survey of all buildings and other built elements that are 50 years in age or older within 500 feet of the existing rail corridor.
For those properties, a field team will spend approximately 15 minutes taking four to six photographs of the exterior of the property; no interior access is required. Additionally, project consultants will knock on every door to alert homeowners of their presence and explain the process. Once the property identification work is complete, the data will be combined in a report that will be reviewed by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. More field work studies to identify archaeological sites and other resources will begin in summer 2015.
If you have any information you want to share about the history of the project area or historical buildings and sites the team should be aware of, please let us know via email: info@DC2RVArail.com.
About the photo: Completed in 1910, the new Colonial Revival style station was constructed by noted local builder E.G. “Peck” Heflin. Described as “one of the handsomest and best equipped stations in the State” by the Fredericksburg Daily Star, the new building featured chestnut accents, terrazzo floors, and both electric and gas lights.