In addition to the heavy use of timber for railroad ties, timber was also used extensively for 'all weather' plank roads, which were usually toll roads. How many places in VA do you see modern hiways and county roads with the name Plank Road, a clue to their origins? :-) Bob Shriner To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html