Miracle Mindset

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey In April 2022, I received a tip from a fellow railfan on Facebook that the Kansas City Southern Executive Train would be in Baton Rouge . To my excitement, I spotted a set of vintage FP9/F9B diesel locomotives resting on a bridge over the 110 freeway while driving toward downtown. My enthusiasm for the F-series locomotives compelled me to navigate some of Louisiana's poorly designed streets (and that’s saying something) to get close to the railyard. I made my way through what felt like a jungle that belonged somewhere in Borneo, only to climb a steep hill to reach the railyard.

 Story & Photos By Ken Hulsey I have to admit that Shreveport is probably my favorite city in Louisiana . The city features stunning visual contrasts, and as a photojournalist, walking around provides countless opportunities to capture thought-provoking images. I spent some time in downtown Shreveport this week and took a lot of great pictures. The area is rich with things to see, including many abandoned buildings, which can be found in every city and town in the state, as well as preserved historical landmarks and modern art and architecture.

Photos & Story By Ken Hulsey Last night, I was talking to a couple of friends from New Mexico , trying to explain what life is like in a small farming town in Central Louisiana. I discussed in depth the poverty and decay that have come to define the area. I shared how the town of Lecompte  (pronounced "le-count") was once very prosperous—a railroad town that thrived on cotton, sugar cane, and lumber. I explained how the decline in demand for those goods, combined with the construction of an interstate highway nearby that diverted tourists away from the town, ultimately sealed its fate. My friends were genuinely shocked when I mentioned that I could see about a dozen abandoned houses and stores from my front yard.

I recently rediscovered my passion for railroad photography and have been making the most of every opportunity during my travels to capture photos of the trains I encounter. I enjoy getting creative, framing interesting images that truly convey the spirit and excitement of being a railfan. 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 t...

A while back, I had the privilege of spending my lunch break at the historic Old State Capitol in downtown Baton Rouge. This gothic castle-style building once housed the legislators who deliberated on the affairs of the Pelican State, and it is now a first-rate museum dedicated to Louisiana's history.

 One of my favorite subjects to photograph in Louisiana is the ex-Crowell & Spencer Lumber Company Steam Locomotive #400. There’s something about capturing images of this locomotive that draws me in. This old locomotive has a presence that resonates with me profoundly. If a picture conveys a thousand words, then this piece of railroad history speaks directly to my soul.

 Gibsland, Louisiana, was a quiet little town in north-central Louisiana in 1934. Nothing much had ever happened there until two of America's most notorious outlaws, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, stopped in for breakfast. Unbeknownst to them, this would be their last meal, as just south of the town, a posse of Texas and Louisiana lawmen had set up an ambush that would ultimately end their two-year spree of killings and robberies with a barrage of bullets.

 A symbol of all airmen past, present, and future, the England Air Force Base Heritage Park is a proud reminder of the Air Force's role in our nation's military history. Each of the five aircraft displayed here valiantly contributed to the defense of our country. They are suspended in simulated flight as a permanent reminder of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the men and women who have served their country as members of the finest air force in the world.  -  England Air Force Base Heritage Park Plaque

If you're in central Louisiana and looking for great pizza and handcrafted beer, you have to stop by Flying Heart Brewing in Natchitoches. Honestly, I haven't had a great pizza since my family moved here from California almost six years ago. People in Alexandria rave about Wildwood Pizza, but when my partner and I tried to eat there, we were met with a terrible septic smell as soon as we walked in. We've never been back since. Eating at Philly's Pizza in Pineville has been a mixed experience, with decent pies sometimes overshadowed by greasy offerings. It’s disheartening when an Ultimate Supreme from Little Caesars becomes your go-to pizza due to a lack of better options.

What could be a cooler place for lunch than a restaurant located in a vintage Conoco gas station?  The Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant, situated in the downtown district of Lafayette, Louisiana, immediately catches the eye of passersby. The building was once a gas station, and the owners made a smart decision to maintain as much of the vintage aesthetic as possible. Although the gas pumps are gone—replaced by outdoor dining—it’s easy to imagine a classic Thunderbird pulling up for a tank of gas. My wife and I knew nothing about Spoonbill, but it looked so cool that we had to eat there.

  The Legacy of Locomotive #202: A Snapshot of Railroad History in Louisiana For railroad history enthusiasts, few stories encapsulate the rich tapestry of early 20th-century logging operations in the United States like that of Locomotive #202. This venerable machine, with its beginnings dating back to 1913, provides a fascinating glimpse into the timber industry’s reliance on rail transport and the technological evolution of locomotives during that era. Locomotive #202 was part of an ambitious order by the Crowell Interests, consisting of twelve distinct locomotives, each crafted to meet the burgeoning needs of the Meridian Lumber Company in Meridian, Louisiana. Designed primarily as a woods engine, #202 was instrumental in transporting timber from the expansive forests to the mill, symbolizing the industrial energy that characterized the American landscape in the early 1900s.

This past week, after being cooped up in my office for days, I decided to take advantage of the mild temperatures and low humidity by taking a walk around downtown during my lunch break. When Terri and I moved to Louisiana six years ago, we took a trip to downtown Alexandria and discovered a plethora of abandoned buildings. It was clear to us that our new home was a city in decline, almost forgotten. However, when I ventured into this once-vibrant downtown area, I honestly expected to see more signs of decay. To my surprise, I found some evidence of life and a glimmer of hope that Alexandria could indeed experience a renaissance.

It has become increasingly clear to me that my journey in Louisiana has been a profound opportunity for growth in both my life and faith. Life in the South can indeed present challenges, yet through these trials, I have come to deeply trust in God and have gained a newfound appreciation for the many daily blessings we often take for granted.

Today, I want to share the story of the first railroad built in central Louisiana. Known as the Red River Railroad , or sometimes the Ralph Smith Smith Railroad , this was the very first railroad constructed west of the Mississippi River. It was a simple and roughly built line that transported cotton and other goods that were brought in by barges on Bayou Boeuf .   The place where this railroad began is called Smith’s Landing , and the remaining building in the town of Lecompte is recognized as the first train station built west of the Mississippi. The tracks ran from Lecompte to the banks of the Red River in Alexandria , but much of this route has been lost to time. During the Civil War , Union soldiers tore up the tracks to create a levee, and because of that, we don’t know exactly where the railroad used to go. Interestingly, when crews were constructing the old Jefferson Highway that runs between Lecompte and Alexandria, they found some remnants of the Red River Railroad, whi...