Louisburg Railroad

The Louisburg Railroad was a railroad that historically ran from Franklinton, North Carolina to Louisburg, North Carolina. The line became part of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad and operated as the company's Louisburg Subdivision.

Louisburg Railroad
Overview
LocaleNorth Carolina
Dates of operation1884–1900
SuccessorSeaboard Air Line Railroad
Seaboard Coast Line Railroad
Technical
Track gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge

History

The Louisburg Railroad was first chartered in 1881 and construction began in 1884 and it was completed in 1885. The Louisburg Railroad was subsequently leased to the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad, which the Louisburg Railroad connected with in Franklinton. The Louisburg Railroad retained its name under the lease and the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad operated it as a branch line.[1]

The Raleigh and Gaston Railroad was absorbed into the Seaboard Air Line Railway in 1900, and the Louisburg Railroad was fully merged into the company as well. The Seaboard designated the line as their Louisburg Subdivision. By 1955, a local daily freight train was running the line six days a week.[2][1]

In 1967, the Seaboard Air Line merged with its rival, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL). The merged company was named the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad (SCL). The Seaboard Coast Line continued to operate the Louisburg Subdivision until it was abandoned in the early 1980s.[3] Some of the right of way in Louisburg has since become the Louisburg Bike Trail.[4]

Historic stations
Milepost City/Location Station[2] Connections and notes
SC 130.3 Franklinton Franklinton junction with Seaboard Air Line Railroad Main Line
SC 135.0 Mitchener
SC 135.8 Katesville
SC 139.8 Louisburg Louisburg

References
  1. "North Carolina Railroads - Louisburg Railroad". Carolana.com. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  2. Seaboard Air Line Railroad Virginia Division Timetable (1955)
  3. Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Rocky Mount and Raleigh Division Timetable (1975)
  4. "Louisburg Bike Trail". TrailLink. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
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