Pamplin city is a small town in Virginia, the USA located to the side of Business 460. It was once an active and boisterous town and home of a clay pipe factory which was formerly the largest clay pipe factory in the USA. Just like any other town in the USA in those heydays, it came into existence due to the railroad that crossed it. The town which was named after Nicholas Calvin Pamplin who donated the land for railroad construction was the only stop on the Southside Railroad. This brought many travelers who were traveling to various destinations hence it was lively.

History of Pamplin City Main Street

In the early 1800s, Thomas Merriman Purchased property at the location(Pamplin town) where he built his home and started his shoe shop business. Later in the mid of the century, another man Nicholas Pamplin also joined Merriman after purchasing 29 acres of the land. The piece of land was so vast that it extended to two other counties, Charlotte and Prince Edward counties. Years later Pamplin donated a huge chunk of his land to the Norfolk Western Railroad who intended on building a railroad passing through the region.

After the construction of the railroad, Pamplin became a 19th-century railroad boom town with promise and expectations that it was officially named Pamplin City. The town of Pamplin became so popular in the South and every entrepreneur saw potential in it. Hotels, banks, and various types of stores lined Main Street while homes were built throughout the town.

What led to its being abandoned?

As time passed by, the rise of automobiles led to a decline in railroad transportation. This consequently led to the reduction in trainloads of passengers going to or past the town. Activities in the town steadily reduced leading to some of the railroads being converted into Trail State Park. An example of such is the High Bridge Trail State Park which still stands up to date. Many businesses including factories and industries were closed down leaving the premises deserted. Even the largest Clay Pipe factory was not spared. The town could not cope up with the changing times leading to its abandonment.

What remains of Pamplin Town.

Over the years residents left the town leaving it inhabited. The once busy town now lies inhabited with most of its 18th-century buildings still hanging in there despite the decay. Although the abandoned buildings are private properties, you are free to walk on the streets and the railroad across the street. You can also enjoy a walk on the Trail State Park as the spectacular view takes you back in history.