The railway opened up accessibility to the Annapolis Valley, and was vital to the establishment of its agricultural industry by enabling the transport of fruit and livestock to global markets.

Vernon Smith built railways in Spain, France and Russia before moving to New Brunswick to become Head Engineer of the Woodstock Iron Works in 1852.

[6] The railroad was vital to moving agricultural produce, especially apples, from the Annapolis Valley to American and European ports via Digby and Yarmouth.

[7] Smith arranged passenger and freight schedules, walked endless miles during construction and chose a distinctive magenta colour for his locomotives.

Work at the Trestle is a sculpture that depicts Vernon Smith rebuilding the Grand Pre Dyke section of the Windsor and Annapolis Railway following The 1869 Saxby Gale.

[11] Eaves donated Work at the Trestle to the town of Wolfville to commemorate his great-grandfather's role in helping economic development in the Annapolis Valley using the latest advances in science and technology.