RustedRailimages

Some recent photos from Inman, South Carolina.

Inman South Carolina Inman, South Carolina is known for it's peaches and is located along the now abandoned tracks of the Southern Railroad between Spartanburg and Asheville. The tracks are beginning the journey to become the "Saluda Rail Trail" which will trace the path of what was once the steepest main line...

Just loved this wall in an alleyway here in Greer with so many different weathred bricks.

The old depot was the center of life in many a small rural town. Everyone came down to see who was getting on or off the train.

The post office came to meet the train's RPO cars to send off letters and get the mail from the outside world.

The depot agent was also the telegrapher who sent and received railroad and personal messages. Sometimes good news, but also not sometimes.

Before Amazon and UPS, the Railroad Express Agency (REA) had an office at the depot where you could receive packages from the mail order houses of just about anything.

As roads improved, most of the depots were abandoned or just took on the role of railroad offices. The passenger trains quit coming replaced by the bus or the peronal auto.

Most of the depots are gone now, so when I see one still standing it makes me wonder what stories of the past if could tell if given the chance.

I've been working on the website.. not quite working on the railroad, but close.

Rusted Rail Images by Gene Bowker Storytelling through digital images and words focusing on railroads, rural landscapes and Americana.

I'm on substack now. Just getting started, but check it out if you have time!

RustedRail - Gene Bowker | Substack Sharing my photos and writings. Love photography and traveling around America finding the forgotten places that I can share with you

More fun with old photos.

A day late, but Happy Flag Day America.