Laurinburg and Southern Railroad: An NC Shortline

Published: July 28, 2024

The Laurinburg and Southern Railroad (reporting mark LRS) is a venerable short line established in 1909 to serve the southeastern region of North Carolina, particularly Laurinburg and the surrounding areas.

Conceived to support the burgeoning agricultural and lumber industries in Scotland County, the railroad played a crucial role in facilitating transportation and commerce in this largely rural area.

The initial route stretched from Laurinburg to Wagram, providing essential freight services for local businesses. Over the decades, LRS expanded its reach, acquiring additional trackage to serve more communities and industries.

The railroad became particularly known for its efficient handling of tobacco, cotton, and lumber products, becoming an indispensable ally to local economies.

In 1994, the railroad was acquired by Gulf and Ohio Railways, which continued to operate and invest in the line.

Despite the broader challenges faced by the railroad industry, LRS managed to sustain its operations by focusing on efficient and reliable service, adapting to the changing needs of its customer base.

Today, the 28-mile L&S remains a significant player in North Carolina’s rail transport sector, embodying a rich history of resilience and community service. Its enduring presence underscores the vital role of short line railroads in America's transportation network.

Laurinburg & Southern 70-tonner #76, wearing its Bicentennial livery, at Laurinburg, North Carolina on March 10, 1976. Warren Calloway photo.

History

The Laurinburg & Southern Railroad was established on March 4, 1909 with N. G. Wade, D. M. Flynn, J. F. McNair, J. Blue, A. L. Jones, and J. A. Jones as incorporators while McNair was tapped as president.

Construction on the system commenced quickly and was in service from Johns to East Laurinburg by July 2nd that year. The railroad promptly celebrated its first freight shipment: a carload of finished cotton goods.

Within a year, the line extended to Wagram, marking a period of rapid growth. The expansion continued with the strategic acquisition of a section from Wagram to Raeford from the Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad on November 12, 1921.

These developments set the stage for the Laurinburg & Southern to become a vital player in the region's transportation network, facilitating the movement of goods and bolstering local economies.

Beyond its primary 28-mile stretch from Laurinburg to Raeford, L&S broadened its operations by acquiring several other shortline railroads across North Carolina and even extending into Virginia.

Laurinburg & Southern 70-tonners #107 and #76 were photographed here in service by Warren Calloway at Laurinburg, North Carolina on November 19, 1978.

Later Years

Key acquisitions included the Fairmont & Western and Red Springs & Northern in 1984, the Franklin County Railroad and Nash County Railroad in 1985, and Virginia’s Saltville Railroad in 1982. Additionally, the Yadkin Valley Railroad began operations under L&S management in 1989.

In 1994, Gulf & Ohio Railways acquired the Laurinburg & Southern holding company. By this time, L&S had streamlined its portfolio, retaining only its namesake line and two others: the Nash County Railroad and the Yadkin Valley Railroad. The previously acquired lines had either been abandoned or were no longer in service.

Diesel Roster

Road Number	Model	Builder	Serial Number	Completion Date	Notes
76	70-Ton	GE	29298	3/1948	Bicentennial unit, renumbered from 109; built as St. Johnsbury & Lamoille County #47.
101-102	70-Ton	GE	29089, 29467	9/1947, 1/1948	#101 acquired new. #102 is ex-High Point, Thomasville & Denton 203.
103-104	70-Ton	GE	30837, 30458	1/1951, 10/1950	#103 acquired new. #104 ex-Lancaster & Chester #62.
105, 107	70-Ton	GE	29466, 30038	1/1948, 3/1949	ex-High Point, Thomasville & Denton Railroad #202 and Pacific Great Eastern #553
108	40-Ton	Plymouth	5608	12/1952	ex-Morris County Central Railroad #5608
109	70-Ton	GE	29298	3/1948	Renumbered 76 for the Bicentennial.
110	70-Ton	GE	30013	6/1948	ex-Norfolk Southern (original) #701
112	S2	Alco	78014	6/1947	x-South Buffalo Railway #91
114-115	SW1	EMD	7503, 7505	6/1949	ex-Union Railroad #456-457
116-118	SW1	EMD	7510, 7512, 7515	8/1949	ex-Union Railroad #463, #465 and #468.
121	SW1	EMD	1041	3/1940	ex-Milwaukee Road #1615
123, 125	NW2	EMD	7521, 7525	4/1949	ex-Union Railroad #541 and #545
127-128	NW2	EMD	8539, 6691	11/1949, 2/1949	ex-Union Railroad #555, ex-B&O #568
130	NW2	EMD	10266	9/1949	ex-C&O #5207
131 & 132	S2	Alco	76169, 74493	9/48, 10/46	ex-RF&P #69 and #58
133, 136	SW1	EMD	4804, 1778	4/1947, 1/1942	ex-Republic Steel #372 and #371.
138	SW9	EMD	14927	11/1951	ex-ACL #701
143	SW1	EMD	14559	8/1951	ex-Republic Steel #306
144	S2	Alco	76514	12/1948	ex-D&H #3025
145	S4	Alco	81094	4/1954	ex-Piedmont & Northern #1005
146	S2	Alco	70273	8/1943	ex-Newburg & South Shore #11

Laurinburg & Southern 70-tonner #105 leads a cut of cars down McKay Street in Laurinburg, North Carolina on October 22, 1984. Warren Calloway photo.

Present Day

Today, the Yadkin Valley Railroad and the Laurinburg & Southern continue to operate under Gulf & Ohio’s ownership. The former Nash County Railroad, sold in 2011, now operates under the CLNA reporting mark.

Typically, the Laurinburg and Southern handles about 7,500 carloads annually with traffic generally consisting of feed ingredients, soda ash, lime, fertilizer, chemicals, and glass.