In the early 1920's substantial acreages of timberlands were purchased by lumber companies in Graham County. A railroad was constructed from Topton to Robbinsville with the arrival of the first locomotive and cars in Robbinsville in late 1925. The railroad continued until the late 1970's. The original steam Shay locomotive remained in operation during the railroad lifetime and became famous all over the United States as the last steam freight line in the country. In 1966 Bear Creek Junction was organized. The famous old Shay locomotives remained on display here for a number of years. Today, all that remains of the railroad is the old station which has been refurbished as a private residence by a Bear Creek Junction property owner, who is also a train collector.

1925 Shay with Ed Collins as Engineer
Courtesy of the Graham County Centennial History