The Wreck of the Old 97
The Story of a Legendary Train Wreck
The Wreck of the Old 97 is a legendary train wreck that occurred on September 27, 1903. It is one of the most famous train wrecks in the United States and has been immortalized in song, books, and film. The wreck occurred when the southbound Old 97 train derailed near Danville, Virginia, killing the engineer and nine others. The cause of the wreck was a broken axle, which was the result of the train traveling too fast for the track conditions.
The Aftermath of the Accident
The aftermath of the accident was devastating. The engineer, Joseph A. Broady, was killed instantly, as were nine other passengers. Dozens more were injured. The train itself was destroyed and the entire line was closed for several days while the wreckage was cleared. The cost of the accident was estimated to be around $100,000 in today's money.
The Legacy of the Wreck of the Old 97
The Wreck of the Old 97 has become a part of American folklore. It has been immortalized in numerous songs, books, and films. Perhaps the most famous song about the wreck is "The Wreck of the Old 97," written by Vernon Dalhart in 1924. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. In addition, there have been several books written about the accident, as well as a few films.
Conclusion
The Wreck of the Old 97 is a legendary train wreck that has been immortalized in song, books, and film. The accident was devastating, costing the lives of the engineer and nine other passengers. The legacy of the wreck, however, lives on in the many songs, books, and films that have been made about it. The Wreck of the Old 97 will continue to be remembered as one of the most famous train wrecks in American history.
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