Chartered in Feb. 25, 1834 - by the Virginia General Assembly, the RF&P was the sixth railroad in Virginia.

June 20, 1834 - John A. Lancaster appointed President and Moncure Robinson appointed Chief Engineer.

1836 - RF&P acquires 457 acres which now comprises most of corporate Ashland.

June 20, 1836 - 20 miles to South Anna River completed.

June 21, 1836 - regular scheduled serivce between Richmond and South Anna commences.

The RF&P's first engines were 5 to 6 tons and cost between $5,000 to $6,000. They were named Richmond, Washington, Potomac, American, Jeffferson, Virginia and Florida. They were high pressure steam 11-inch cylinder boilers with a 15-inch stroke turning 60-inch wheels.

Cars were untested, poorly lit with smokey whale oil lamps while unscreened windows allowed sparks and cylinders to fly.
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