Continuing on our journey from the base of Mount Jefferson (see previous blogs), Judy and I followed U.S. 221South to Hwy. 194. This scenic byway led us through beautiful plunging valleys and lush, green hillsides as it wound its way to the now-quiet town of Todd. In the distant past, this area was a trading crossroads for the Indians, then the incoming English and Scots.
In the early 1900's it became an important railroad town along the Norfolk & Westerns mountainous route. The town boomed for nearly two decades, from 1915-1933, after which the boom was over, and Todd returned to its earlier quiet status. This caboose commemorates those glory days. Just beyond it lies the South Fork of the New River.
Click on this plaque to enlarge it and read the interesting saga of this town for yourself. You'll be surprised to read that Todd once boasted three hotels, a Ford garage, FOUR doctors, and much more. Worthwhile reading.
What was once the Todd Mercantile store is now a nice bakery and gift shop. They were advertising for an upcoming songfest featuring the legendary Doc Watson, who lives in nearby Deep Gap.
Other than the draw of pure history lovers, the Todd General Store is the primary tourist attraction. And it had a fair amount of customers and lookers for a Tuesday morning when we were there. Similar to the famed Mast General Store, it has a little bit of everything, and then a goodly amount of the unexpected. Definitely worth a visit. We were also impressed that they host storytellers every Tuesday night. I couldn't resist asking if they ever featured my favorite Jack Tales, and I was pleased to hear that they frequently do.
This old barn is just a few dozen steps away from the general store. Many of the old buildings have been gone for years.
Just across the New River from the town park are a few dwellings with some aged outbuildings and sheds still standing. On one boulder at the river's edge we saw a couple of pairs of tennis shoes. How idyllic to have a permanent swimming hole right out your back door.
This is the town park I mentioned.
There were a couple of families enjoying the park this day, but I could imagine it being packed for weekend songfests.
Departing from Todd, we followed Railroad Grade Road for three miles before crossing the New River. We saw scenes like this all along the way. In fact, it was when Amanda was at Appalachian and showed us pictures of the rustic environs of Todd that we first learned of this place.
Old buildings like this may not be serviceable, but they are a testimony to the labors of past generations, tilling the ground, selling their wares, and somehow squeezing out an existence far from the main highways.
How long can it be before this old shed is totally overgrown? But just on the other side of it, hidden from view, is a modest, comfortable house. Can you see the old TV antenna at the back of the shed? Once a luxury to even allow weak TV reception, I'm sure it's given way to satellite service now. And the mountain folks deserve any modern convenience they can get nowadays. They've long since paid their dues with toil and hardship.
Just past that last shed, we crossed the New River, followed yet another winding road back to U.S. 421east of Boone, then sought out the Blue Ridge Parkway. There we would enjoy an energizing snack before exploring the wayside trails and overlooks which continually draw us back for more. Pictures coming soon!
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