By Fred W. Harrison, March 2011
 |
 |
| Click photos to enlarge | |
Intro
While its historical impact is too often overlooked, the 1910 opening of the Norfolk & Southern Railroad Bridge across the Albemarle Sound marked a significant milestone in the economic and industrial development of eastern North Carolina.
An engineering triumph of its day, the 5-mile-long trestle cost more than $1 million dollars to build, a mammoth sum for the time, and was hailed as the longest continuous railroad bridge in the world.
Expansion of what evolved as the Norfolk & Southern Railroad into North Carolina began in 1881, along a path from Norfolk, Va., through Elizabeth City, Edenton and across the Albemarle Sound via transfer barges to points south. The transfer barges were first put into operation on June 1, 1891. Pulled by tugboats, these vessels could only handle two railroad cars per barge, making the task of delivering an entire train from shore to shore a very slow process.
A revolution of sorts took place in 1899, when the steamer John W. Garrett was ushered into service. The Garrett, a truly superlative train ferry by all accounts, was capable of carrying 23 loaded freight cars. The 351-foot vessel with 41-foot beam had a double pilot house, eliminating having to turn it around when docking. Passengers also enjoyed the advantages of an onboard restaurant, making the 1 hour, 45-minute trek one of the most favored excursions along the route.
The improved ferry service likewise added much to the growth of Edenton and Mackey’s Ferry in Washington County as major ports for water traffic along the Albemarle Sound.