- Home ›
- Interurbans ›
- Kentucky
Kentucky Interurban and Streetcar History
Published: April 7, 2025
By: Adam Burns
Interestingly, Kentucky contained only a few systems that could be described as true interurban systems, the Louisville & Interurban Railroad and Kentucky Traction & Terminal Company.
Given that the state borders Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio it is surprising that not more were built, at least in the state's northern region. The state of West Virginia, for example, enjoyed robust development along the Ohio River for this reason but contained few other interurbans to its east.
Ohio Valley Electric Railway: The Ohio Valley Electric Railway served Huntington, West Virginia; Ashland, Kentucky; and Ironton, Ohio.
It began operations in September of 1899 when it took over the operations of three smaller systems: the Consolidated Light & Railway Company, Ashland & Catlettsburg Street Railway, and Ironton & Petersburg Street Railway. It remained in operation until 1937 when streetcar service was discontinued.
Cincinnati, Newport & Covington Railway: The Cincinnati, Newport & Covington Railway began operations in 1892 taking over the South Covington & Cincinnati Street Railway a railroad which was made up of several small lines.
The line served Covington and Newport. The CN&C's streetcar remained in operation until 1950 when it was discontinued in favor of buses.
Kentucky Traction & Terminal Company: The Kentucky Traction & Terminal Company began operations in the early 1900s connecting Lexington, Paris, Georgetown, Frankfort, Versailles and Nicholasville. It remained in operation until 1934 when streetcar operations were discontinued.
Louisville & Eastern Railroad: The Louisville & Eastern Railroad began operations in 1901 connecting Louisville and Crestwood and six years later extended its route to LaGrange.
Because the route was built to a five-foot gauge specification it was extremely difficult to interchange with, thus the L&E was a rather unprofitable railroad. It lasted until October of 1935 when service was suspended.
Louisville & Interurban Railroad: The Louisville & Interurban Railroad opened in 1901 connecting Louisville to La Grange and soon after extended to Jefferstown (1904), Prospect (1904), Okalona (1905), Orell (1907), Fern Creek (1908) and Shelbyville (1910). It remained in operation until 1935 when its final operating route between Louisville and Orell was discontinued.
Louisville Railway: The Louisville Railway was one of the state's oldest interurbans dating back to 1859 when it was a horse-powered operation known as the Louisville City Railway.
It was renamed the Louisville Railway in 1890 when the Louisville City Railway and another small operation merged. Streetcar service survived until 1948 when it was discontinued in favor of buses.
Recent Articles
-
Indiana Valentine's Train Rides
Jan 12, 26 04:27 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could step into a time when passenger trains were a Saturday-night treat and a whistle echoing across farm fields meant “adventure,” the Nickel Plate Express delivers that fe… -
Ohio Valentine's Train Rides!
Jan 12, 26 04:20 PM
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers one of the region’s most atmospheric ways to experience the Hocking Hills area: from the rhythmic click of jointed rail to the glow of vintage coaches rolling… -
Wisconsin's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 12, 26 03:10 PM
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. -
California's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 12, 26 02:34 PM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Wisconsin Scenic Train Rides In North Freedom!
Jan 12, 26 02:20 PM
The Mid-Continent Railway Museum is a living-history museum built around the sights, sounds, and everyday rhythms of small-town and shortline railroading in the early 20th century, what the museum cal… -
Vermont Scenic Train Rides In Burlington!
Jan 12, 26 01:18 PM
Today, GMRC is best known by many travelers for its Burlington-based passenger experiences—most famously the Champlain Valley Dinner Train and the sleek, limited-capacity Cocktails on the Rails. -
Maryland's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 12, 26 01:03 PM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
Minnesota's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 12, 26 12:17 PM
Murder mystery dinner trains offer an enticing blend of suspense, culinary delight, and perpetual motion, where passengers become both detectives and dining companions on an unforgettable journey. -
Vermont Dinner Train Rides In Burlington!
Jan 12, 26 12:09 PM
There is one location in Vermont hosting a dedicated dinner train experience at the Green Mountain Railroad. -
Connecticut Dinner Train Rides In Essex!
Jan 12, 26 10:39 AM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Florida Scenic Train Rides In Parrish!
Jan 11, 26 10:26 PM
The Florida Railroad Museum (FRRM) in Parrish offers something increasingly rare in today’s rail landscape: a chance to ride historic equipment over a surviving fragment of an early-20th-century mainl… -
California's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 02:28 PM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Georgia's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 02:07 PM
In the heart of the Peach State, a unique form of entertainment combines the thrill of a murder mystery with the charm of a historic train ride. -
Colorado ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 01:43 PM
Nestled among the breathtaking vistas and rugged terrains of Colorado lies a unique fusion of theater, gastronomy, and travel—a murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Minnesota Dinner Train Rides In Duluth!
Jan 11, 26 01:32 PM
One of the best ways to feel the region's history in motion today is aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), which operates out of Duluth’s historic depot. -
Illinois Dinner Train Rides At Monticello!
Jan 11, 26 12:42 PM
The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
Alabama's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:29 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. -
Maryland Dinner Train Rides At WMSR!
Jan 10, 26 09:13 AM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) has become one of the Mid-Atlantic’s signature heritage operations—equal parts mountain railroad, living museum, and “special-occasion” night out. -
Arkansas Dinner Train Rides On The A&M!
Jan 10, 26 09:11 AM
If you want a railroad experience that feels equal parts “working short line” and “time machine,” the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (A&M) delivers in a way few modern operations can. -
South Dakota's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:08 AM
While the state currently does not offer any murder mystery dinner train rides, the popular "1880 Train" at the Black Hills Central recently hosted these popular trips!
