There’s a famous person buried in West Virginia that you might not have realized. Did you know that the final resting place of renowned photographer O. Winston Link is located in a small town in West Virginia? (And no, it’s not one of the towns he frequented so often for his famous train photographs.) Elmwood Cemetery in Shepherdstown is the burial site for this talented artist whose work revolutionized the way we perceive and appreciate photography.
Ogle Winston Link, commonly known as O. Winston Link, was an American photographer best known for his captivating images capturing the final years of steam locomotives in the mid-20th century.
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1914, Link developed a deep interest in trains and photography at an early age. He combined these two passions and embarked on a lifelong journey to document the last operational steam locomotives in their natural environment before they disappeared from the American landscape.
Starting in the 1950s, Link traveled extensively across the country, primarily focusing on the Norfolk and Western Railway. He meticulously planned his photographs, often staging scenes with props, models, and lighting to create extraordinary compositions. Link's attention to detail and his ability to capture the nostalgia and raw power of steam-powered trains was unparalleled.
Many of his most famous shots were taken in West Virginia, in small railroad towns like Bluefield, Welch, and Iaeger. His last photograph -- the end of the steam era -- was shot in the Mingo Tunnel.
Despite his groundbreaking contributions to the world of photography, Link's work remained relatively unknown for many years. It was not until the 1980s that his photographs gained widespread recognition, rekindling interest in the steam locomotive era and securing his position as one of the most influential photographers of his time.
After his passing in 2001, O. Winston Link was laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, a picturesque town located along the Potomac River.
It is a rather surprising location considering his notable career and the fact that he primarily focused on trains from outside this particular region. Nevertheless, his connection to West Virginia was strong (he is buried beside his parents in the Link family plot, near the first Link ever to come to America).
By choosing this serene resting place, Link chose to be surrounded by the beauty of nature and to forever remain close to the railroad legacy he dedicated his life to preserving.
Link is a testament to the lasting impact one person can have on an entire industry and our collective memory. His stone is simple for such an influential man, as is its inscription: O. Winston Link / Father, Grandfather, Photographer / Dec 16, 1914 – Jan 30, 2001 / OWL [his initials] / 2853 [his number in the Link family tree, as descended from John Jacob Link].
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