Laura Wright 
Trains were once the most used commercial transportation in America. It is no puzzle that there are countless tales and stories surrounding this part of our history.
Newark Train Station Hobo
Newark Central Station (New Jersey) has a tale surrounding a hobo that excited a group of passengers at the station one night, years ago. He continued exclaiming “it” was coming for him to everyone. The stationmaster grew tired and tried to drag him away, when, an invisible train roared into the station. The stationmaster reported hearing the screeching wheels and felt the air off the engine. Suddenly, the vagrant disappeared and the invisible train pulled out.
The Phantom Train of North Carolina
In 1891, a passenger train suddenly derailed in North Carolina, on its route to Asheville. The tragedy left 22 dead and is still hailed as the worst train accident in North Carolina history. Today, occasional reports surface that visitors in the area have watched a phantom portrayal of this historic event. Some are so desperate they have flagged down other cars to help them rescue the screaming passengers trapped within the wreckage. Yet, no wreckage is ever located.
Think your area has no train folklore? Ask a local historian and you’re certain to find a wealth of fascinating and seemingly new tales.
