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Speaking Engagement: The Past, Present, and Future of Rail in Montgomery County
Join us on April 16 for a presentation by Bruce Harper and Ray Smoot on railroad history in Blacksburg and the surrounding county. Bruce Harper will discuss how the rail served troops during the Civil War, helped with coal transport, connected remote communities to Virginia Tech, and how it was converted from rail to trail. In addition to our rich train history, we will get an update from Ray Smoot on the thirteen-year initiative to bring passenger rail service back to our community.
Bruce Harper retired from Virginia Tech after serving for 37 years in several departments. He was the Virginia Tech webmaster until he retired. He is a local historian and author, with articles published in Virginia Tech Magazine and The Arrow, the publication of the Norfolk & Western Historical Society.
Ray Smoot retired as CEO of the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. He is vice chair of the Commonwealth Transportation Board.