Weldon

March 08, 2025

Weldon

At one time, Weldon was one of the most important railroad hubs in the South. The first to arrive was the Petersburg Railroad in 1833. Nearly a decade later, the Wilmington & Raleigh - more commonly known as the Wilmington & Weldon - arrived. When it reached Weldon, the rail line was the longest in the world at just over 161.5 miles. During the 1800's, five different railroads met here. (Petersburg & Roanoke, Seaboard & Roanoke, Raleigh & Gaston, Wilmington & Weldon, and the Weldon Mill Railroad.) Over time, the railroads consolidated, yet Weldon remained an important location within the nation's railroad infrastructure. Weldon was home to a unique two-level station. The station - built in 1912 - was shared by the South Atlantic and Atlantic Coast Line. Further rail consolidation and elimination of the Tidewater passenger route ended passenger rail service to Weldon by 1971.

The former Union Station is now home to the Weldon Town Libary.

Sold to the Town of Weldon in 1976, Union Station's entire second floor (platform, support structures, waiting rooms, etc.) was removed. It now serves as the town's library. Freight and passenger trains still ride along the elevated rail viaduct where Union Station's second floor once stood.

The elevated track is still in use today carrying CSX freight and Amtrak passenger trains.

Weldon's history started before the railroad reached the community. Weldon was settled by Daniel Weldon in 1745. It was known then as "Weldon's Orchard" because of an orchard Weldon planted here. Other names possibly included "Weldans" and "Weldon's Place."

The Roanoke Canal Trail's Eastern Terminus is in Weldon.

Weldon's location on the Roanoke River near the Fall Line made the community a key point in navigation and trade. In the early 1800s, a nine-mile canal linking Roanoke Rapids and Weldon opened. The canal opened navigation of the Roanoke through the rapids, allowing steamers to travel from the Atlantic and Albemarle Sound into the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. While the growth of railroads significantly reduced the necessity and later of the canal, the canal saw a rebirth in the 1890s as it was used to produce electricity. Today, the canal's original path is part of the Roanoke Canal Trail, a multi-use path connecting Roanoke Rapids to Weldon.

Downtown Weldon.

Today, Weldon is a community of about 1500 residents. Numerous remnants of the town's transportation history (rail and canal) are within walking distance of the central business district. Just outside of Downtown Weldon is the Weldon Mills Distillery. Opening in 2019, the distillery has quickly become one of the most well-known micro-distilleries in the nation. The popularity of the company's bourbon, whiskey, and other spirits led to the creation of the North Carolina Bourbon & Spirits Festival in 2023. It is held annually in late September just outside of Weldon at the Weldon Mills Theatre (former Carolina Crossroads Theatre) off Exit 171 on Interstate 95.

All photos taken by post author - May 7, 2011.

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