Virginia’s rail history goes back to 1837 when the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad was completed and began operations. Since then, Virginia’s rail network has expanded to serve all corners of the Commonwealth, connecting passengers and goods to the region, nation, and the world through the Port of Virginia. DRPT is the Virginia agency charged with supporting freight rail (through the Rail Industrial Access, Rail Preservation, and Freight programs) and planning for statewide freight and passenger rail improvements. This month’s Data Story will go through the basics of Virginia’s rail network, to the programs that DRPT runs, and the future of rail in Virginia.