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'All aboard'
We're happy to hear that Dillsboro's largest attraction plans to stay for the long haul, and we're pleased that Great Smoky Mountains Railroad's new owners plan to restore historical accuracy to the train's day-to-day operation.

Sporting a new dark red and gold color scheme, the railroad launched another season Saturday. Owner Allen Harper's enthusiasm for the local train is a predictor of great things ahead for the popular tourist ride.

With the fresh view of someone new to the area, Harper has already identified eyesores along the track and is looking at ways to improve the journey for all of us. Any progress he makes will both enhance train trips for his passengers and make river outings more pleasurable for fishermen, rafters and kayakers.

Harper doesn't plan to simply talk about the problem ­ he plans to remove what he can and camouflage the rest. We wish him success in this endeavor and hope that his cleanup initiative will spread to other property owners along the Tuckaseigee River and railroad tracks.

To emphasize the permanence of the train's connection to Dillsboro, Harper is seeking to purchase property the railroad has traditionally leased. Showing their desire to get involved in their new community, GSMR officials are meeting with other Dillsboro business owners to develop cooperative efforts.

Partnerships seem key to Harper's plan for expanding the train's influence. He's hoping to work out arrangements with Nantahala Outdoor Center, Cherokee tribal officials and Harrah's about joint ventures and offers to attract visitors to our area.

Harper's plan to restore a more historically accurate feeling to the train fits right in with the town of Sylva's goal of attracting more so-called "heritage tourists," the kind of travelers who look for historical sites, museums, trails and cultural events as they vacation. Opening a train museum, as Harper plans to do, will also aid in this effort.

It sounds like former owners Malcolm and Joan MacNeill found the perfect company to continue the success of Dillsboro's leading attraction.

With Harper's apparent enthusiasm and vision, the railroad should be a vital economic force in Dillsboro for years to come. And with the new owner's commitment to the environment, it will be a cleaner, more beautiful trip.


Editorial policy

The opinions expressed on this page are those of the Sylva Herald Editorial Committee. Opinions are derived independently and owe no allegiance to any group, organization or political party. We welcome opposing views.

Back to Archive: 03/09/00.