- Home ›
- Interurbans ›
- Arkansas
Arkansas Interurban and Streetcar History
Published: April 6, 2025
By: Adam Burns
The state of Arkansas contained no active interurbans although was home to a few streetcar lines throughout the state. These systems are briefly mentioned below.
Fort Smith Traction Light & Power Company: The Fort Smith Traction Light & Power Company was formed in 1903 by the merger of the Fort Smith Railway Company (incorporated in 1883) and the Fort Smith & Van Buren Electric Street Railway Light & Power Company (incorporated in 1893).
After the railroad came under the control of Oklahoma Gas & Electric in 1933 it was abandoned in November of that same year.
Arkansas Power & Light Company: The Arkansas Power & Light Company began operations on November 4, 1886 as the Citizens Street Railway Company, originally using mules and horses for power.
It gained electric operation in 1902 now known as the Citizens Light & Transit Company operating about 8 miles of trackage.
It reached its peak length of 11 miles in 1918 and again changed its name to the Pine Bluff Company. By 1930 the Arkansas Power & Light Company (created in 1914) took over operations and replaced the operation with buses.
Southwestern Gas & Electric Company: The Southwestern Gas & Electric Company was a small interurban operation in Texarkana that operated until 1935 having been acquired by the Middle West Utilities Company in 1925.
Walnut Ridge & Hoxie Traction Company: The earliest history of the Walnut Ridge & Hoxie Traction Company (also known as the Walnut Ridge & Hoxie, Light, Power and Transit Company) was opened in 1899 connecting the towns of Hoxie and Walnut Ridge, a distance of about 1 1/2 miles.
The WR&HLP&T was created in 1903, gained electric operation in 1906 and changed its name to the Central Power and Light Company in 1918. It abandoned all operations in 1928.
Recent Articles
-
Charlotte Approves $37.9M For "Red Line" To Lake Norman
Mar 11, 26 02:18 PM
The Charlotte City Council has approved $37.9 million in funding for the next phase of design work on the long-planned Red Line commuter rail project. -
NS, Progress Rail Announce SD70ICC Modernization
Mar 11, 26 12:15 PM
Norfolk Southern Railway has announced a significant locomotive modernization initiative in partnership with Progress Rail Services Corporation that will rebuild 96 existing road locomotives into a ne… -
Colorado Seeks Input On Proposed Front Range Passenger Train Name
Mar 11, 26 11:55 AM
Colorado officials are inviting the public to help name a proposed passenger train that could one day connect major cities along the state’s heavily traveled Interstate 25 corridor. -
Virginia Whiskey Train Rides
Mar 11, 26 11:22 AM
Among the Virginia Scenic Railway's most popular specialty excursions is the “Bourbon & BBQ” tasting train, an adults-oriented rail journey that pairs scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley with guided… -
Minnesota's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 11, 26 10:32 AM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train. -
New Mexico's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 11, 26 10:23 AM
Sky Railway's New Mexico Ale Trail Train is the headliner: a 21+ excursion that pairs local brewery pours with a relaxed ride on the historic Santa Fe–Lamy line. -
Indiana's Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Mar 11, 26 10:19 AM
This piece explores the allure of murder mystery trains and why they are becoming a must-try experience for enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. -
Ohio's Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Mar 11, 26 10:02 AM
The murder mystery dinner train rides in Ohio provide an immersive experience that combines fine dining, an engaging narrative, and the beauty of Ohio's landscapes. -
Kentucky Easter Train Rides
Mar 10, 26 11:39 AM
The Bluegrass State is home to beautiful rolling farms and the western Appalachian Mountain chain, which comes alive each spring. A few railroad museums host Easter-themed events during this time. -
California Easter Train Rides
Mar 10, 26 10:26 AM
California is home to many tourist railroads and museums; several offer Easter-themed train rides for the entire family. -
NS Faces Multiple Derailments Near Historic Horseshoe Curve
Mar 10, 26 10:15 AM
One of America’s most famous railroad landmarks, the legendary Horseshoe Curve west of Altoona, Pennsylvania, has recently been the site of multiple freight-train derailments involving Norfolk Souther… -
Oregon's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 10, 26 10:11 AM
If your idea of a perfect night out involves craft beer, scenery, and the gentle rhythm of jointed rail, Santiam Excursion Trains delivers a refreshingly different kind of “brew tour.” -
Arizona's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 10, 26 09:57 AM
Verde Canyon Railroad’s signature fall celebration—Ales On Rails—adds an Oktoberfest-style craft beer festival at the depot before you ever step aboard. -
Connecticut's Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 10, 26 09:54 AM
If you’re looking for a signature “special occasion” experience, the Essex Steam Train's Wine & Chocolate Dinner Train stands out as a decadent, social, and distinctly memorable take on dinner on… -
Massachusetts Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 10, 26 09:37 AM
This article dives into some of the alluring aspects of wine by rail in Massachusetts, currently offered by the Cape Cod Central Railroad. -
Union Pacific Restores Rail Bridge Service in Lincoln
Mar 09, 26 11:34 PM
Union Pacific crews have successfully restored freight rail service across a key bridge in Lincoln, Nebraska, completing a rapid reconstruction effort in just a few weeks. -
TVRM To Assist In Gas-Powered Locomotive's Restoration
Mar 09, 26 11:15 PM
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has announced it is assisting in the eventual cosmetic restoration of a former gas powered locomotive used in the logging industry. -
Michigan's Easter Train Rides
Mar 09, 26 10:37 AM
Spring sometimes comes late to Michigan but this doesn't stop a handful of the state's heritage railroads from hosting Easter-themed rides. -
Pennsylvania's Easter Train Rides
Mar 09, 26 10:05 AM
Pennsylvania is home to many tourist trains and several host Easter-themed train rides. Learn more about these special events here. -
Tennessee's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 09, 26 09:33 AM
Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State. -
Michigan's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 09, 26 09:07 AM
There's a unique thrill in combining the romance of train travel with the rich, warming flavors of expertly crafted whiskeys. -
Massachusetts Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 09, 26 08:56 AM
This article dives into some of the alluring aspects of wine by rail in Massachusetts, currently offered by the Cape Cod Central Railroad. -
Maryland Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 09, 26 08:37 AM
This article delves into the enchanting world of wine tasting train experiences in Maryland, providing a detailed exploration of their offerings, history, and allure. -
New York's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 08, 26 10:16 AM
For those keen on embarking on such an adventure, the Arcade & Attica offers a unique whiskey tasting train at the end of each summer! -
Florida's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 08, 26 10:15 AM
If you’re dreaming of a whiskey-forward journey by rail in the Sunshine State, here’s what’s available now, what to watch for next, and how to craft a memorable experience of your own. -
Colorado Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 08, 26 10:14 AM
To truly savor these local flavors while soaking in the scenic beauty of Colorado, the concept of wine tasting trains has emerged, offering both locals and tourists a luxurious and immersive indulgenc… -
Iowa Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 08, 26 10:13 AM
The state not only boasts a burgeoning wine industry but also offers unique experiences such as wine by rail aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. -
Northern Pacific 4-6-0 1356 Receives Cosmetic Restoration
Mar 07, 26 02:19 PM
A significant preservation effort is underway in Missoula, Montana, where volunteers and local preservationists have begun a cosmetic restoration of Northern Pacific Railway steam locomotive No. 1356. -
New York's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 07, 26 02:08 PM
Among the Adirondack Railroad's most popular special outings is the Beer & Wine Train Series, an adult-oriented excursion built around the simple pleasures of rail travel. -
Kentucky's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 07, 26 10:17 AM
Whether you’re a curious sipper planning your first bourbon getaway or a seasoned enthusiast seeking a fresh angle on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a train excursion offers a slow, scenic, and flavor-fo… -
Ohio's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 07, 26 10:15 AM
LM&M's Bourbon Train stands out as one of the most distinctive ways to enjoy a relaxing evening out in southwest Ohio: a scenic heritage train ride paired with curated bourbon samples and onboard refr… -
Georgia 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides In Cordele
Mar 07, 26 10:13 AM
While the railroad offers a range of themed trips throughout the year, one of its most crowd-pleasing special events is the Wine & Cheese Train—a short, scenic round trip designed to feel… -
Arizona Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 07, 26 10:12 AM
For those who want to experience the charm of Arizona's wine scene while embracing the romance of rail travel, wine tasting train rides offer a memorable journey through the state's picturesque landsc… -
Massachusetts's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 06, 26 09:00 AM
Among Cape Cod Central's lineup of specialty trips, the railroad’s Rails & Ales Beer Tasting Train stands out as a “best of both worlds” event. -
Pennsylvania's Beer Tasting Train Rides
Mar 06, 26 08:57 AM
Today, EBT’s rebirth has introduced a growing lineup of experiences, and one of the most enticing for adult visitors is the Broad Top Brews Train. -
Indiana's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 06, 26 08:55 AM
Among IRE’s most talked-about offerings is the Wine & Whiskey Train—an adults-only, evening-style trip that leans into the best parts of classic rail travel: atmosphere, comfort, and a little cele… -
North Carolina's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 06, 26 08:53 AM
One of the GSMR's most distinctive special events is Spirits on the Rail, a bourbon-focused dining experience built around curated drinks and a chef-prepared multi-course meal. -
Arkansas Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 06, 26 08:50 AM
This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so… -
California Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 06, 26 08:49 AM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Construction Continues On Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania Roundhouse
Mar 05, 26 01:52 PM
Construction is underway on a long-anticipated roundhouse exhibit building at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, a project designed to preserve several of the most historically signific… -
Wisconsin Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 05, 26 09:53 AM
Wisconsin might not be the first state that comes to mind when one thinks of wine, but this scenic region is increasingly gaining recognition for its unique offerings in viticulture. -
Alabama Wine Tasting Train Rides
Mar 05, 26 09:50 AM
While the state might not be the first to come to mind when one thinks of wine or train travel, the unique concept of wine tasting trains adds a refreshing twist to the Alabama tourism scene. -
California's Dinner Train Rides In Sacramento
Mar 05, 26 09:49 AM
Just minutes from downtown Sacramento, the River Fox Train has carved out a niche that’s equal parts scenic railroad, social outing, and “pick-your-own-adventure” evening on the rails. -
New Jersey's Dinner Train Rides In Woodstown
Mar 05, 26 09:48 AM
For visitors who love experiences (not just attractions), Woodstown Central’s dinner-and-dining style trains have become a signature offering—especially for couples’ nights out, small friend groups, a… -
Tennessee Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Mar 05, 26 09:46 AM
Amidst the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Tennessee, an exhilarating and interactive experience awaits those with a taste for mystery and intrigue. -
California Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Mar 05, 26 09:16 AM
When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri… -
UP 4014 To Visit WPRM For Fundraising Dinner
Mar 04, 26 11:32 PM
Rail enthusiasts in Northern California will have a rare opportunity this spring as Union Pacific 4014 — the world’s largest operating steam locomotive — is scheduled to visit the Western Pacific Rail… -
CPKC Sets New February Grain Shipping Record
Mar 04, 26 10:57 PM
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) announced on March 3 that it established a new company record for grain transportation during the month of February. -
Hunterdon Wine Express Train Announces 2026 Season Dates
Mar 04, 26 01:57 PM
The Hunterdon Wine Express returns for its 2026 season from April through September, offering a four-hour wine country experience that combines historic rail travel, guided wine tasting, lunch, and ti… -
Washington's Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Mar 04, 26 11:43 AM
Climb aboard the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad for a whiskey tasting adventure by train!
