Railroading in the South - Trains Up and Down the Pelican State | Ken Hulsey Photographer
Over the past two days, my travels have taken me across Louisiana, from Opelousas to Bunkie, then to Lecompte, and finally to Gibsland. There, I spent my lunch break watching the CPKC maneuver two local freights with impressive skill. I observed these trains pulling forward and backing into various sidings before continuing on their routes—the first headed east, while the second dropped off a long set of cars for the Louisiana & Northwestern.
On Monday, I visited Opelousas in hopes of soliciting some work from the Acadiana Railroad for my company. I was also curious about the fate of the old locomotives that used to be stored at their headquarters. The staff informed me that they had been moved to a siding along Railroad Avenue. I went there and captured some great shots.
On my way home, I chased a Union Pacific train from Bunkie to Lecompte, photographing it at both locations. It was a wonderfully productive couple of days for railroad photography, and I'm excited to share my experiences.
The CPKC in action at Gibsland:
Louisiana and Arkansas Railway: The Story of a Regional Line (Railroads in America) Hardcover
The Louisiana & Arkansas Railway, colloquially termed "The Better Way," commenced operations at the turn of the 20th century and expanded its network to create a vital corridor connecting New Orleans and Dallas. This regional railroad, characterized by its robust infrastructure and sustained profitability, flourished largely due to the strategic leadership of three influential figures: William Edenborn, William Buchanan, and Harvey Couch. These men expertly navigated the complexities of the rail industry, implementing strategic acquisitions that facilitated the line's growth and operational efficiency.
- Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey
Acadiana Railroad locomotives along Railroad Ave in Opelousas:
Union Pacific action in Bunkie:
The same train in Lecompte:
Check Out:
Uncover the Story Behind Abandoned Locomotive #400 in Long Leaf, Louisiana | Ken Hulsey Photographer
The narrative of the L&A serves as a case study in effective management and entrepreneurial vision, as it reflects the cumulative biography of Edenborn, Buchanan, and Couch. Each leader brought a unique blend of industry acumen and commercial insight, skills honed in prior professional endeavors, alongside a profound passion for rail transportation. Their combined efforts established the L&A as a preeminent regional carrier, characterized by efficient operations and customer service excellence.
In this comprehensive examination of the L&A's history, Fair meticulously chronicles the railway's evolution from its inception during the rail boom to its eventual dissolution amid corporate consolidations in the late 20th century. Notably, while the L&A operated under the aegis of a parent company, specifically Kansas City Southern (KCS), for a substantial portion of its operational history, it retained a degree of operational independence. However, the definitive acquisition by KCS in 1992 effectively culminated in the complete dissolution of the L&A, marking the end of an era in regional railroading.
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