All during First Friday, the train tracks at Hamburger Square on South Elm Street were having problems. The arms kept going down and the lights flashing, yet, no train was coming. Cars waited and waited, and then the arms would go back up, with no sign of a train. The same thing was happening on Saturday. Then, Saturday afternoon, here came the Norfolk Southern 9411 chugging down the track. A downtown local commented, “This is like the boy who cried wolf. This time, it really is a train.” Hopefully, the problem was fixed and the arms are only coming down when needed. Fortunately drivers and pedestrians alike always have the option of using the underpass.

Seeing a train roll through town is, indeed, a beautiful sight. You can see the water tower at Bennett College in the background, clearly situating the photo in downtown Greensboro. Trains have been such a part of Greensboro’s history and the very reason we are nicknamed the Gate City. Gateway city, transporting textiles, jeans, necessities and luxury items to where they are needed. If you ever get a chance, take a day trip on our passenger trains.