The Louisville and Nashville Railroad

The Louisville and Nashville Railroad, commonly referred to as the L&N, was created in 1850. The goal was to transport both freight and passengers from Louisville, Kentucky to Nashville, Tennessee. This goal became a reality, with the rail road actually reaching further north and south of its namesake cities. The L&N served as a major strategic concern to both sides during the Civil War. Trains were used to carry soldiers from both sides to and from battle. It was common for rail lines, and rolling stock to suffer damage during the war. After the Civil War was over, the L&N started expanding and never really stopped. Within thirty years after the war, the railroad reached as far north as Ohio, and as far south as Florida. Most smaller railroads, such as the Western Atlantic, sold out to the larger L&N. By the turn of the century, the L&N was the largest railroad in the southeastern United States. It almost became a monopoly, as it was able to provide railroad transportation at much cheaper costs than their competitors. During WWI and WWII, the L&N saw a major increase in business. Men who were going off to war, enlisted the L&N to get them there. It was during the World War period, and after, that the L&N switched their locomotives to diesel power, and passenger service such as the Pan-American, and Dixie Flyer were created. In the 1950s, the L&N celebrated its 100th anniversary by absorbing the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railroad. In the 1960s, they absorbed the bankrupt Tennessee Central. The L&N continued to dominate railroad service in the southeast for the next decade. In 1971, companies like Amtrak, and CSX, took over passenger and freight service. The L&N had no choice but to sell out to them. After 132 years of continuous operation, the L&N was no more. The Louisville and Nashville Railroad has gone down in history as one of the greatest business success stories of all time. 

Map of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.

The L&N operated steam locomotives like this one until after the World Wars.

During the 1950s and 60s, passenger service on the L&N boomed.

The L&N rail yard in Louisville, Kentucky. Note the eleven story office building to the left. L&N offices were housed in that building.

There are still a few surviving L&N locomotives. This one is housed at the Tennessee Central Railway Museum in Nashville, Tennessee.

Check back next week for another installment of Moore Historical Consulting's "Throwback Thursday" series. Be sure to go check out the section of the blog devoted to the company. Put me to work for you today!!