Town of Crewe

The Town of Crewe is rich in local history. Norfolk and Western railroad pre-planned and built the Town of Crewe in 1888. Named for the large railroad town of Crewe, England, it was designed first and foremost to support the operations of the N&W as a Divisional halfway point between Norfolk and Roanoke, Virginia. The railroad repair facility's importance diminished sharply in the 1950s, as the switch to diesel-electric locomotives required less labor and equipment.

Since its early days, Crewe has seen a number of historical events and figures pass through. William Hodges Mann, 46th Governor of Virginia, was president of the Bank of Crewe. Baptist missionary Lottie Moon found her final resting place in the Crewe cemetery. From reconstruction to World War II to today and beyond, Crewe has had its share of events and eccentricities; but through it all, it has maintained its authentic down-home charm.

Historians, Civil War buffs, and amateur genealogists are sure to find a treasure trove of information in the local library, the municipal cemetery, or just visiting with local residents on the streets or in their shops.