Cincinnati Southern Railway – CNO&TP Railroad

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Cincinnati Southern and CNO&TP

  • 4th railroad to cross the Appalachian Mountains, connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Ohio River in 1880.

A Key Link: Ohio River to the Atlantic Ocean

Cincinnati Southern - SOU' Royal Palm in 1963

1963 Photo by Roger Puta: The Southern Railway Royal Palm on the Cincinnati Southern line crossing the New River in TN.

The Cincinnati Southern Railway stands as a monument to municipal ambition and ingenuity, a 337-mile steel artery that propelled the fortunes of an Ohio city and the American South. Its history is a remarkable tale of economic necessity, public works, and a century-and-a-half-long lease that ultimately saw the railroad transition from a city-owned asset to a private-sector operating division. The saga of the CSR reveals much about 19th-century American commerce, the challenges of railroad construction, and the shifting debate of public versus private infrastructure ownership.

An ambitious beginning: The need for a southern route

In the mid-19th century, Cincinnati was a bustling river town, its economy tied to the ebb and flow of the Ohio River. However, the rise of powerful railroad competitors, particularly the Louisville and Nashville (L&N) Railroad, threatened the city’s economic dominance. The L&N’s new lines siphoned away crucial north-south trade, leaving Cincinnati at a disadvantage. To secure its future, Cincinnati’s leaders devised a bold and unprecedented plan: to build its own railroad connecting the city to the deep South.

Cincinnati Southern Railway

Cincinnati Southern logo by City of Cincinnati

The idea for a city-owned railway to Chattanooga was not without precedent, but earlier attempts had failed due to financial panics. The state of Ohio passed legislation in 1869 to allow for the creation of the Cincinnati Southern Railway, financed by public bonds. This move effectively made Cincinnati the only municipality in the United States to own a long-distance, interstate railroad, a distinction it would hold for over 140 years.

Cincinnati Southern Construction

The construction of the CSR was a monumental undertaking, an incredible feat of engineering that commenced in the 1870s. The chosen route cut through some of the nation’s most rugged terrain, requiring the construction of 105 bridges and 27 tunnels, including a notoriously difficult section in Kentucky known as the “rat hole”. The construction drew a diverse workforce of Irish and Black families, who used a combination of manual labor and new technologies, like large-scale dynamite blasting, to conquer the wilderness. The project was completed in 1880, immediately cementing Cincinnati’s status as a major transportation hub.

CNO&TP/Cincinnati Southern Railways

Map: City of Cincinnati

Upon its completion, the City of Cincinnati, as a passive owner, sought an operator for the railway. In 1881, an operating lease was awarded to the Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific (CNO&TP) Railway. This established a unique relationship where the city owned the physical infrastructure—the land, tracks, and bridges—while a private company ran the operations. In 1899, the Southern Railway, a predecessor to modern-day Norfolk Southern (NS), gained control of the CNO&TP, bringing the Cincinnati Southern into the orbit of a major national railroad system.

Over the years, the CSR’s operational landscape evolved significantly. The line was primarily a freight carrier, but it also hosted notable passenger service, with Pullman Sleeper Cars making the popular run from Cincinnati to New Orleans. The line’s fame was even immortalized in popular culture, most famously with the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s 1941 hit “Chattanooga Choo Choo”.

Significant upgrades were made to the line to keep it competitive. The original tunnels, a challenge for modern double-stack container freight, were largely “daylighted”—a process where the tunnels are removed to create an open cut. This, along with other improvements like double-tracking almost the entire 338-mile length, transformed the line into a high-capacity freight corridor. All these improvements were funded by the lessee, with the city as the ultimate beneficiary of a modern, valuable asset.

Cincinnati New Orleans & Texas Pacific Map - Cincinnati Southern Railway

Rail traffic data

The Cincinnati Southern Railway, operated as the Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific (CNO&TP) line within Norfolk Southern’s network, is a high-volume freight corridor. While Norfolk Southern does not publicly release specific traffic counts for individual rail lines, public statements and reporting from industry publications indicate the line’s significant importance and traffic density.

Historical and current traffic estimates

  • Historical Estimates: In the 1990s, the CSR was reported to handle between 20 and 30 trains per day, though this figure was often cited more as an anecdotal measure than a precise operational metric.
  • Modern Traffic: More recent reports leading up to the 2024 sale confirm the line’s continued heavy usage. Norfolk Southern’s own statements in 2022 described the CSR as “one of the highest-density segments in NS’ network, averaging as many as 30 trains a day”. This indicates a consistent, high volume of freight movement, primarily consisting of intermodal, automotive, and general merchandise trains.

Importance to Norfolk Southern’s network

The CSR’s strategic location makes it a critical component of Norfolk Southern’s network.

  • Midwest-Southeast Connection: The line serves as a crucial artery linking the industrial and agricultural heartland of the Midwest (accessed via Cincinnati) to the major economic centers and seaports of the Southeast (centered around Chattanooga).
  • Freight Diversity: As noted in the article, the CSR carries a diverse mix of freight, reflecting its role as a key part of a larger, continental network. This includes:
    • Intermodal freight: A significant portion of the line’s traffic consists of intermodal trains carrying shipping containers.
    • Automotive freight: As a vital link for manufacturing, the line transports a considerable number of finished vehicles and automotive parts.
    • General merchandise: The line supports the movement of various other goods, ranging from agricultural products to consumer goods, tying Midwestern producers to Southern consumers and ports.

The turning point: From public asset to private sale

By the 21st century, the Cincinnati Southern Railway had been an invaluable source of income for the city for generations. However, the future of the lease, set to expire in 2026, loomed over the city’s budget. In November 2022, Norfolk Southern announced its intention to purchase the railroad outright, with an offer of $1.62 billion. This proposal set off a spirited public debate about the future of the railway.

Supporters of the sale highlighted the creation of an “Infrastructure Trust Fund” from the proceeds, which was projected to generate between $50 and $70 million annually for Cincinnati infrastructure projects like fixing potholes and upgrading parks. It was argued that this would provide more stable and substantially higher returns than the existing lease payments. Additionally, the sale would transfer all liability risks from the city to the private sector.

Opponents, including some historians and rail enthusiasts, raised concerns about the potential loss of a unique municipal asset. They pointed to the CSR’s continued value and the steady, albeit lower, income stream provided by the lease. Despite these concerns, Cincinnati voters approved the sale on November 7, 2023. The deal was finalized in March 2024, with Norfolk Southern officially acquiring the 337-mile railway.

The special legacy of the CSR

The story of the Cincinnati Southern Railway is a compelling case study in municipal enterprise and a reminder of the foundational role infrastructure plays in economic growth. Several factors make the CSR a truly special historical and modern entity:

  • Pioneering municipal ownership: The CSR was a trailblazer, demonstrating that a city could successfully build and own a major piece of interstate transportation infrastructure. This audacious move was a powerful statement of civic pride and economic foresight.
  • Engineering marvel: Constructed with 19th-century technology, the CSR was an engineering marvel that overcame immense geographical hurdles to link Cincinnati with the heart of the South. Its construction not only opened up new markets but also showcased the industrial ambition of the Gilded Age.
  • A century-long partnership: The long-standing lease agreement with Norfolk Southern and its predecessors was a remarkably stable and beneficial arrangement. It allowed Cincinnati to reap the financial benefits of the railway’s success without shouldering the day-to-day operational burdens or liabilities.
  • Enduring economic impact: As a critical “spine line” for freight traffic, the CSR facilitated economic growth not just for Cincinnati but for the entire Southern Railway system. The line continues to be a vital artery for the transport of a wide range of goods.
  • The sale and its legacy: The 2024 sale to Norfolk Southern marks the end of an era but also the beginning of a new one, with the railway’s legacy now tied to a permanent infrastructure trust fund for the citizens of Cincinnati. The decision reflects a modern calculus of public finance, trading a long-term, low-risk income stream for a massive cash infusion dedicated to public works.

In the annals of American railroads, the Cincinnati Southern is an anomaly. It was born of necessity, and managed for over a century with a creative business model. Its sale represents a final chapter in a story that began with a city’s bold vision to control its own economic destiny. The railroad’s tracks may now be privately owned, but its legacy as a symbol of Cincinnati’s industrial past and innovative spirit will continue to endure.

Cincinnati Southern/CNO&TP Stats

  • Founded/Chartered: 1869 
  • Operated: 1880 – Present (Leased/Operated by Norfolk Southern)
  • Abbreviation: CNO&TP (Also known as Cincinnati Southern)
  • Initial Route: Cincinnati OH to Chattanooga TN
  • Length: 337 Miles
  • Related Railroads: Southern Railway, Norfolk Southern Railway
  • Headquarters: Cincinnati OH, Owned by the City of Cincinnati
  • Cities: Cincinnati OH, Lexington KY, Danville KY, Somerset KY, Oneida TN, Oakdale TN, Dayton TN, and Chattanooga TN
  • Key Individuals: Samuel Spencer
  • Today: Norfolk Southern Railway

Links for More Information

Southern Railway Historical Association: http://srha.net/

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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