L&N Railroad – Louisville and Nashville

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Louisville & Nashville Railroad

The Louisville & Nashville was originally intended to connect its two namesake cities, which it did by 1859. By the 1920s, the L&N had grown to more than 6,000 miles, connecting 14 states. There is no doubt the L&N was a key component of the economic growth of the southern states during the late 1800s and early 1900s. While many other railroads experienced receivership and financial challenges, the L&N always avoided financial calamity, and gained the nickname of ‘Old Reliable.’

L&N Railroad

Ohio River to the Atlantic Ocean

L&N Railroad Train

Photo: Roger Puta

In its formative years after being chartered in 1850, the L&N focused on building its line south from Louisville to Nashville, eventually reaching Birmingham and New Orleans. By 1902, the railroad created a second parallel rail line from Cincinnati to Atlanta GA. This second corridor allowed the L&N to tap into the coal fields of Kentucky, but also created a Ohio River to Atlantic Ocean rail line. For the final leg from Atlanta to the coast, the L&N relied on partner railroads such as the Georgia Railroad and the Atlantic Coast Line.

The Age of Civilized Travel by Ron Flanary

August 20, 1966-Cincinnati Union Terminal: It’s hard not to like the “face” of an EMD E or F-unit. L&N 793 is idling at CUT’s engine facilities with an FP7 (606) behind it. The duo will head south for Louisville, Nashville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and New Orleans with number 5, the “Humming Bird,” at 6:45 PM Eastern Time.

You could have purchased a roomette in the train’s “Pine” series sleeper on the rear of the train, and had a scrumptious L&N-signature dish, the Gulf Coast Seafood Platter, in the diner-lounge as you coiled along the “Short Line” to Louisville. After a 9:50 PM arrival there (plus the addition of a Louisville-Atlanta “Pine” series behind you), you could have the Pullman porter make up your room and retire for a restful ride down the Main Stem. It was an experience I tried on this very train about three weeks after this shot—and I still remember how wonderful it was. This was the age of civilized travel.

L&N Railroad Engine

Louisville & Nashville Railroad Stats

  • Reporting Mark: LN
  • Operated: 1850-1982
  • Length: 10,396 miles
  • Mainline: Louisville/Cincinnati OH/St. Louis to the north – Nashville/Knoxville TN – Atlanta/Birmingham in the middle – Montgomery/New Orleans/Florida to the south
  • Primary Cities: Louisville KY, Nashville TN, Cincinnati OH, St Louis MO, Knoxville TN, Chattanooga TN, Atlanta GA, Birmingham AL, Montgomery AL, Mobile AL, New Orleans LA
  • Headquarters: Louisville KY
  • Passenger Trains: Dixie Flyer, Dixieland, Gulf Wind, South Wind, Southland
  • Successor: Seaboard Coast Line
  • L&N Today: Part of CSX Transportation

L&N Map 1914

Louisville & Nashville Railroad Map - 1914

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For More Information

Louisville & Nashville Railroad Historical Society

For More Information – Sources and Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the history and operation of the Appalachian Railroads. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Appalachian-Railroads.org. Much of the content on the website is verified across multiple sources.

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  1. Gazetteer of American Railroads, 1914 ↩︎