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Model Railroad Index Excursions Seneca Stone Cutting Mill

Railroads in Laurel, MS

a speech by Sam Lindsey, Jr. delivered before the

Daughters of American Revolution on November 15, 1994

Railroads in Laurel, MS page 1

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[Note: The following pages and photos are all from my father. The photos are 1024 on one side allowing you to make them wallpaper if you so desire. Any comments can come to me. Please use this information and photos for your personal use only. Thanks]

Today we are going to discuss four railroads and the trolley system in and around Laurel. The first is the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad. A rail line had been completed between Chattanooga [TN] and Meridian [MS] and the rail shipments went from Meridian through Jackson [MS] and then on to New Orleans; a distance of 280 miles.

Captain William Hardy, whose office was in Pauldin, MS, considered that the three most important centers of commerce were New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. He got a map and drew a line between Meridian and New Orleans and figured he could save 85 miles if a railroad could be built between the two cities.

The survey was completed in Mary 1881 and actual construction started both from Meridian and New Orleans in February 1882. The line was completed into Laurel on March 2, 1883.

A work train in Laurel (1896) after the construction of the New Orleans Northeastern RR. The first depot for the New Orleans Northeastern RR in Laurel. Another view of the depot

The 1913 depot for the Southern RR. Deeded to the City of Laurel in 1989 it is used for various functions. The 1943 paint scheme for the Southerner passenger train. Photo taken in Hattiesburg by Charles Harrington.

When the railroad was finished about 30 miles south of Laurel, Captain Hardy decided it would be a good place to have another town; and an ideal place for the Gulf and Ship Island RR to cross their tracks. His friends wanted him to name it for himself, but he declined. However, he did name it for his wife, Hattie. Had he named it for himself, the two towns would be called "Laurel and Hardy".

Unrelated note: On July 8, 1889 the bare knuckle brawl between John L. Sullivan and Jake Kilrain was to take place in New Orleans. However, Louisiana State Law would not allow it to be in the state; therefore, the railroad sold tickets at 4:00 PM the day of the fight to a mystery location. Three special trains, carrying 2,000 people each left New Orleans and went to Richburg, MS -- just 6 miles south of Hattiesburg (Hattie).

The fight went 75 rounds and was the longest fight in history.

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