The Museum Page

Due to problems with the lease, the museum was closed in October, 2004.

The Chapter operates the Piedmont Carolina Railroad Museum in Belmont, NC.   It is housed in the former Piedmont & Northern station.  It has been in operation since 1988.  Hours are Saturday from 10:30 to 4:00, and Sunday, 1 to 4:30 PM.

Displays at the museum include:

• an operating HO model layout

• an antique operating Telex system

• railroad models

• railroadiana, including timetables, directories, switch stands, and signal lights

• the Chapter's rolling stock

In 1911, the Piedmont Traction Company built a rail line, which ran from Charlotte, NC to Gastonia, NC.  Then, in 1916, the Piedmont & Northern built a 3-mile branch line from Belmont Junction to downtown Belmont to serve the local textile industry.  At that time, a Charlotte architect named Charles Christian was chosen to draw the plans for our station.

Several mergers occurred prior to the final acquisition of the Belmont Depot.  First, the Piedmont & Northern was bought out by the Seaboard Coast Line, who then changed their name to the Seaboard System.   After that, they joined with the Chessie System to form CSXT Corporation, and they owned the depot until 1987.

In that year, Mr. Robert Lee Stowe III purchased the building and adjacent trackage.  He then entered into a working agreement with the National Railway Historical Society, Piedmont Carolinas Chapter, Inc., which make it possible for the Chapter to operate it as a railroad museum.

While the Piedmont Carolina Railroad Museum was first opened to the public in April, 1988, by October 1, it was formally dedicated with the help of many civic, church, school, and business organizations of Belmont.

| General Information | Meeting Information | Excursions & Special Events |

|Links | Pine Tree State |

Feel free to E:Mail us at piedmontnrhs@yahoo.com