As massive amounts of coal were shipped from the region, the Elmore rail yard was built, and most of the coal traveling along the Virginian passed through it before continuing to the Virginia coast for shipment. The rugged terrain between Elmore Yard and Clarks Gap challenged locomotives beginning the trip to the coast, and the steep grade required the world’s largest locomotives. In 1925, the Virginian reduced that burden by electrifying the rails between Mullens and Roanoke, Virginia, bringing further growth to Mullens because all Virginian electric locomotives were serviced there. In 1959, the Virginian merged with the Norfolk and Western Railway, and in 1982 Norfolk and Western merged with the Southern Railway to form the Norfolk Southern Railway. Mullens and the surrounding area continued to change and grow with the railroad, and residents have taken great pride in the railroad heritage that shaped many of their lives.