The Native Americans, she said, referred to the river that flows north as White Creek because the bottom of the river is filled with marble chips. Marble and slate have played an important role in Washington County's economy. Granville, which is north of Salem, is the only place in the world where bright red slate can be found. Visitors to Granville can learn more about slate, as well as its impact on the economy and history of the town, at the Slate Valley Museum. Another industry that continues to have an impact on the county is farming.
Dairy farms dominate the views of the landscape.
During the train ride, Ms. Bain pointed out the corn and alfalfa grown to feed the cows as well as fields of potatoes for city folk and suburbanites who can't identify a potato until its cooked and served with butter. Bridges of Washington County Those who enjoy covered bridges might enjoy seeing the four in the county, including the Rexleigh covered bridge that can be viewed from the train. The train also stops in the hamlet of Shushan, home to the Covered Bridge Museum. Those interested in visiting the museum can get off the train and spend the next hour exploring. Washington County, according to Ms. Bain, is the perfect place for history and museum buffs.