In 1883, 25 years before the Ford Model T began production,
rail service arrived at the small resort area of Virginia Beach
within Princess Anne County. It proved to be a boon for that area,
but it was the spurs off that main line that provided essential transportation
for the military and gave life to small villages elsewhere in the county.
The Norfolk, Virginia Beach Railroad Oceana spur line was located near
where Potters Road and Railroad Drive intersect. The tracks extended
around the western perimeter of present-day Oceana Naval Air Station
before terminating near London Bridge Road.
Even though the rail service was built for the Navy, many truck farms were
in the area before the airfield came into existence.
The farmers depended on the spur to get their goods to market.
The tracks are still visible on both sides of Potters Road