Strasburg & Middletown Railroad
A Heritage Rail Experience for the Shenandoah Valley
Step aboard the Strasburg & Middletown Railroad, where every mile tells the story of Virginia’s proud rail heritage. This proposed tourist line follows the historic route once traveled by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, connecting the charming town of Strasburg to scenic Middletown through the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley. Along the way, passengers will experience sweeping mountain views, cross fields that once echoed with the sounds of steam, and stop at the storied Cedar Creek Battlefield, a landmark of American history. More than a train ride, the Strasburg & Middletown Railroad is a journey back in time — a living tribute to the rails that built the Valley and the communities that still call it home.
Cedar Creek Battlefied
Midway along the Strasburg & Middletown Railroad, passengers will step back in time at the Cedar Creek Battlefield Stop, a place where the Shenandoah Valley’s rolling fields once echoed with the thunder of cannons and the courage of soldiers. This historic site, part of the Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, marks one of the Civil War’s most dramatic turning points. Visitors can explore the preserved battlefield, tour Belle Grove Plantation, and experience living-history reenactments that bring the 1864 Battle of Cedar Creek vividly to life. More than a scenic rest along the route, the stop offers travelers a powerful connection between past and present—where the story of America’s resilience is written across the Valley’s landscape.
Current Ownership and Use
The rail corridor between Strasburg and Middletown is currently owned and operated by CSX Corporation, serving as part of the company’s regional freight network. While the line remains active for limited freight movement, opportunities may exist for cooperative use, leasing arrangements, or even future acquisition to support heritage and tourism operations. Across the country, similar partnerships between Class I railroads and heritage groups have proven successful—balancing freight needs with community-driven passenger experiences. The Strasburg & Middletown Railroad could explore such agreements with CSX to operate scheduled tourist excursions on weekends or designated time windows, creating a shared-use model that benefits both commerce and culture. With community support and sound negotiation, this historic right-of-way could once again echo with the sounds of passenger trains rolling through the Shenandoah Valley.