The "Old 97", a Southern Railway train en route from Monroe, Virginia to Spencer, North Carolina, derailed at Stillhouse Trestle near Danville, Virginia on September 27, 1903. It occurred when the train's engineer forced the train to go to breakneck speeds to make its stop at Spencer on time (Old 97 had a perfect reputation for never being late). The train went down a steep hill and couldn't slow down when it reached the trestle at the base, sending it careening into the ravine below. Eleven people were killed including the engine crew and a number of Railway Post Office clerks in the mail car right behind the engine

The train wreck served as an inspiration for songwriters and balladeers. A 1920s recording of the song, "Wreck of the Old 97" by Vernon Dalhart, is sometimes cited as the first million-seller in the American record industry ^*, as well as the first song to inspire a major copyright lawsuit . The song has been recorded by numerous artists including Flatt and Scruggs, Johnny Cash and Hank Snow. Texas alt-country band Old 97's also take their name from this song.

See also

• List of rail accidents

External reference

• Wreck of the Old 97

Railway accidents in the United States | Ballads | Southern Railway (US) | History of Virginia