The U.S. state of Virginia is a state rich with history. It is also a state with a diverse landscape with the beaches and flat area in the east to the mountains in the west. It has it major cities like Richmond and Norfolk to its smaller cities like Charlottesville and Roanoke. Then you have your small towns. One of the small towns is Covington located in the western region of the state. It is a forgotten town despite of the fact that Interstate 64 and U.S. Routes 60, known as the Midland Highway, and 220 pass through the town. This forgotten town is the home of the Allegheny Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center. What is the Allegheny Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center? For short, it is simply called by locals as the Discovery Center, but it is a museum where young minds, and older minds, can learn about the industries in the region. Regardless of age, the Discovery Center is a small place where you can learn so much.
Some of you are saying, “Wow! A discovery center in a small town. Cool! There is a big problem. The place is about industry and technology and not a railroad place. Therefore, I will not waste my time making a discovery of this place.”
Yes, it is called the Allegheny Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center and not a railroad museum. Why visit here?
The Allegheny Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center displays all kinds of local industries. Among these industries are Pulp and Paper Making, Forestry and Wood Products, Iron, Carbon, Fiber and Film, Power / Energy Conversion, Communications, Printing, and other industries. As you walk through the hands-on exhibits, you will see an exhibit on mining. In this mining exhibit, you see a picture of a mine car on rails. Much of the mining industry uses railroads to move its mine cars.
Some of you are saying, “I guess that must be all.”
Nope!
Above the mining display is a model train display. You can see two trains, a freight train and a passenger train, going around. It depicts how that railroad played a big role in the region. The town of Covington happens to be in Virginia’s Rail Heritage Region, and the train display tells the story.
The Allegheny Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center is located at 227 North Maple Avenue near the town center of Covington. Admission is free. Hours vary during the years. As for wheelchairs, the museum is completely wheelchair accessible. Parking is street parking. You can get more information at Home – Discovery Center.
John Cowgill: Stories of the Railroad 