What’s a day at the lake look like to you? Perhaps you’re boating, swimming, fishing, or camping? You name it and Kerr Lake has it! But did you know the lake also sports what just may be the only underwater train wreck in North Carolina?

Impounded in 1952 upon the completion of the John H. Kerr Dam, Kerr Lake is an outdoor lover's paradise. But long before it was Kerr Lake it was the Roanoke River and a few smaller tributaries.
Flickr/Charles Boyer
And once upon a time, a train and two attached train cars broke through the bottom of a train trestle crossing the Roanoke River and fell directly into the water below - where it still remains, at what is now the bottom of Kerr Lake.
Estimations from Bridgehunter.com place the engine and its two accompanying cars at this point in Kerr Lake sunken approximately 50 feet below the surface.
Google Maps
Here's a link to the train's approximate location in case you're curious.
Little is known about the Roanoke River Line, other than right after the accident it was acquired by the Townville Line.
WRAL
Some sources say the man standing on the right side of the deck in the above image was the engineer who was driving the train at the time of the accident.

Related Stories

Most People Don't Know About North Carolina's Own Hatfield And McCoy Dispute

Most People Don't Know About North Carolina's Own Hatfield And McCoy Dispute

 The Best Beach In America Is Right Here In North Carolina And It’s Only Accessible By Boat Or Plane

The Best Beach In America Is Right Here In North Carolina And It’s Only Accessible By Boat Or Plane

 This Unique Raft And Rail Experience In North Carolina Belongs On Your Bucket List

This Unique Raft And Rail Experience In North Carolina Belongs On Your Bucket List
Both he and his brother were the only people on the train. Reportedly, neither survived the accident.
WRAL
So what happened? Why did the train break the trestle and plummet into the Roanoke River?
The year was 1918 and this particular trestle was constructed of wood.
David Pollard / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images
There had been a fire on the banks of the Roanoke River and the trestle had gotten scorched, weakening its stability. But the engineer had yet to be advised of the situation.
So when the train hit the trestle as it began to cross the river, it simply fell right through the structure and crashed into the river.
WRAL
Afterwards, it was decided that it was too big and too difficult to move. So it remains exactly where it landed over a hundred years ago - except now it's covered in 50 feet of water from Kerr Lake.
Did you know about this train wreck at the bottom of beautiful Kerr Lake?
Google/Sid Photo

Who knew there was an underwater train wreck in North Carolina!?

If you love learning about the state’s history, keep reading about 10 historic must-see attractions in North Carolina!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina

Featured Addresses
Kerr Lake, North Carolina 28510, USA