Matt Bumgarner is an award-winning writer and the regional publisher of Tarheel Press dedicated to profiling the history of North Carolina. His books combine an in-depth approach with a readable style of regional heritage, railroad history, or the Civil War. Matt published “Saluda: From Top to Bottom” in November, 2015.

 He will present the research and stories behind the book, which is the first major publication on the grade and railroad in more than 30 years and goes deeper than any previous work, on May 19 at 7 p.m. at the Saluda Depot. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and there is limited seating.

He will describe his exploration of the early history of the railroad’s formation, debunks the myths surrounding early engineering staffs and feats, and places the construction of the line in the context of railroad expansion in the era.

Along the way, the author examines in detail the sacrifices of convict labor (while paying homage to the specific men who died building the railroad), the rise of tourism in Western North Carolina, and the transformation of the railroad industry over the course of the last 150 years.

This volume is the definitive work on the history of the Saluda grade and the A&S Railroad. It will be essential to any student of railroading history, local heritage, and fans of the Southern Railway and Norfolk Southern. The books will be available for purchase.

  Saluda Historic Depot is located at 32 W. Main Street, Saluda, N.C.

This is a free event and donations are appreciated.

– article submitted by Cathy Jackson