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Louisiana Interurbans and Streetcar Railroads

The information included here covers a general history of Louisiana interurbans and streetcar railroads once operated throughout the state. Interurban systems were once a common form of transportation for many towns both large and small although they began to fall out of favor in the 1930s and 1940s for the common automobile as its technology and better highways became vastly improved and more reliable. While interurbans served a vital transportation purpose prior to reliable autos and highways from a historical perspective they are fascinating because of many small companies that popped up and also disappeared nearly overnight. During the peak of interurban operations in the country there were even several builders of motorcars including J. G. Brill & Company, St. Louis Car Company, Pullman-Standard, American Car Company, Standard Steel and the Jewett Car Company.

The information below includes short paragraph descriptions of most Louisiana interurbans and streetcar railroads.

Orleans-Kenner Electric Railway: The Orleans-Kenner Electric Railway connected New Orleans and Kenner operating between 1914 and 1930 before service was discontinued in favor of buses.

Southwestern Traction & Power Company: The Southwestern Traction & Power Company was never a very profitable operation. It served New Iberia and Jeanerette operating between 1912 and 1918 before falling into bankruptcy and service was abandoned.

St. Tammany & New Orleans Railway & Ferry Company: The St. Tammany & New Orleans Railway & Ferry Company was a very short-lived interurban railroad. It served Mandeville and Covington operating between 1915 and 1918 before services were discontinued and ultimately abandoned.

New Orleans City & Lake Railroad: The New Orleans City & Lake Railroad was created in 1883 from the New Orleans City Railroad. It operated until 1892 when it became part of the New Orleans Traction Company.

For a small gallery of photographs highlighting Louisiana interurbans and streetcar railroads please click here. Also, for more information regarding New Orleans interurban operations please click here.

For more reading on Louisiana interurban railroads consider picking up a copy of the book The Electric Interurban Railways in America by authors George Hilton and John Due. Many consider their book to be the quintessential resource guide to the interurban and streetcar railroad movement that was once so common in our country during the first half of the 20th century. At nearly 500 pages the book is stuffed full of information on trolley operations and covers virtually every topic on the subject. If you have any interest in trolleys and interurban railroads and/or would like to learn more about their history I would strongly consider Mr. Hilton and Mr. Due's book first before purchasing any other.

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