The Franklin and Pittsylvania Railroad was chartered on or about March 12, 1878, as a joint venture with Franklin County, Washington City RR, VA Midland RR, and the Great Southern RR. Its tracks ran 36.8 miles from Rocky Mount, VA, to Gretna, VA. The F and P provided passenger, freight, and mail service, allowing economic growth in both areas. Because of a decrease in mining activity, deteriorating tracks, and the affordable Model T, the railroad made its final run in 1932.