Louisiana & North West Railroad: An Historic Southern Short Line
Last revised: September 5, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The Louisiana & North West Railroad is a historic short line that has been serving its home
state, as well as southern Arkansas since the early 1890s.
For many railfans, the L&NW is remembered for its fleet of Electro-Motive "covered wagons", which have long since disappeared from its roster.
The roller coaster history of the line is very fascinating. At one point it grew to more than 100 miles and then slowly abandoned sections of its system as traffic evaporated; the company has also kept itself afloat surviving on one form of traffic and then another.
It was conceived as a general common-carrier to operate a north-south route connecting most of Louisiana and Arkansas although the intended traffic never materialized.
For many years oil was its lucrative mainstay although today, the L&NW sustains itself on a variety of different freight and has the luxury of established interchanges with two Class I railroads (a rarity for many shortlines).
Photos
Louisiana & North West F7A's #46 and #44 (former Southern Pacific units) pass the general office building in Homer, Louisiana, circa 1984. Mike Bledsoe photo. American-Rails.com collection.History
The history of the Louisiana and North West Railroad begins with the Louisiana North & South Railroad Company, chartered on November 28, 1885.
The LN&S had been formed by the town of Homer, in Claiborne Parish in hopes of seeing tracks connect it to the outside world and keep the community from being isolated (a real fear in those days when railroads were rapidly expanding and the hope for economic growth lay in steel rails reaching your town).
This system had reached its namesake cities in 1880 and would later become a part of the Illinois Central formally in 1946 (it had been leased to its subsidiary, the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley as early as 1923).
Actual construction of the LN&S began nearly two years after it was chartered when ground was broken on April 30, 1887 to build a 19-mile line from Homer, south to a location known as Gibsland along the VS&T.
Early Operations
Trains began running as early as January 1, 1888 along completed sections of the line but it was not fully operational until the summer of 1889.
While the specific purpose of the new company was to reach the VS&T the new railroad also had hopes of stretching much further south for the freight potential found in the cities of Natchitoches and Alexandria.
After the first section of this extension was opened on January 20, 1890 between Gibsland and Bienville (a distance of 17.33 miles) the L&NS was acquired a day later by the Louisiana and North West Railroad due to a loophole in the former's charter.
For now further ambitions to the south were put on hold while the L&NW looked northward to reach Magnolia, Arkansas which since 1881 had only been served by the St. Louis Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt).
The railroad did have an incentive to do so as the right-of-way was already purchased by the city from the state.
At A Glance
Union Pacific (McNeil) Canadian Pacific-Kansas City (Gibsland, Louisiana) | |
St. Louis Southwestern Railway (McNeil, Arkansas) Illinois Central, Kansas City Southern, and North Louisiana & Gulf (Gibsland, Louisiana) | |
The 35.7 miles from Homer to Magnolia were opened by October 4, 1898, which included the connection to the Cotton Belt's 6-mile branch, purchased by the L&NW a few months earlier on August 1.
After 1900 the railroad continued southward again, reaching Natchitoches in March of 1905.
At this point its length peaked at 124 miles and it never reached its ultimate goals; continuing on to Ashland and New Orleans along with a northward extension to Fort Smith for a total system that would have spanned nearly 600 miles.
The L&NW struggled after opening its route to Natchitoches as freight never materialized and the debt of building the line forced it into bankruptcy in August, 1913.
Thanks to the discovery of oil around Homer in January, 1919 the company was able to come out of receivership just a few years later on May 21, 1922.
System Map (1940)
A year earlier the L&NW also began to cutback its extension south of Gibsland, abandoning the line between Natchitoches and Chestnut, 22 miles in all.
The rest of the line was pulled up 20 years later in 1949 between Gibsland and Chestnut (except for the 15 miles between Bienville and Gibsland, purchased by the North Louisiana & Gulf) leaving the Louisiana and North West Railroad with a 61.5-mile system it still operates today.
During World War II the system was not able to cash in on the explosion of traffic growth experienced by the industry as a whole since it did not serve any munitions plants or related companies that served the war effort.
However, this changed a few decades later with the start of the Vietnam War in the mid-1960s. It moved munitions in conjunction with the IC via the Gibsland interchange from the Louisiana Army Munition plant at Doyline.
A pair of Louisiana & North West's F7A's (ex-Southern Pacific) work the historic road's small yard and home base in Homer, Louisiana during December of 1977. Gary Morris photo.This time period also signaled three other notable events for the railroad:
- On June 5, 1958 it was added to the Salzberg family of short lines (which included the Fort Dodge Des Moines & Southern, Des Moines & Central Iowa, and the well known Wellsvile Addison & Galeton).
- Electro-Motive F units began to arrive (the largest locomotives it owned up until that time).
- A major source of new traffic appeared, bromine.
The red-colored chemical is highly corrosive but is very useful as a fire retardant among other things.
The discovery of bromine in southern Arkansas, which just so happened to be home to one of the largest concentrations anywhere on the planet, could not have come at a better time with the traffic from Vietnam conflict winding down.
Today, it still makes up part of the L&NW's traffic base. Under Salzberg ownership the railroad gained a new, standard look sporting a common livery of red and yellow.
However, unlike its cousin, the WAG, the L&NW sustained its profitability through the years. Since 2008 the property has been a division of Patriot Rail, a short line conglomerate
The arrival of the F7s (and an FP7) also drew the interest of railfans as the locomotives were still in regular use well through the 1980s. Today, the covered wagons have long since disappeared, replaced by various first and second-generation EMD Geeps.
The railroad's traffic base has also changed. While bromine is still an important source of traffic it no longer moves petroleum products with other freight including, wood products (lumber and plywood), steel, and plastics.
Major customers include Albemarle Corporation, Weyerhaeuser, Schlumberger, Kinder Morgan, CMC Steel Arkansas, Partee Flooring, and Berry Plastics.
Timetable (1910)
It should be noted that for many years the L&NW offered regular passenger service, through the late 1940s in fact, which is a quite long for a railroad of its size.
Until 1925 the railroad used standard steamers to power its trains until it began acquiring American Car & Foundry/J.G. Brill Company carbodied gasoline-powered cars ("doodlebugs") to reduce operating costs. The company owned three; #200, #300, and #400.
The latter was acquired on August 8, 1944 from the Chicago & Eastern Illinois, which had received it new May, 1937 and named the Mount Vernon.
It was built with a shovel-nosed, streamlined design that sported a eye-catching livery although was pulled from service in 1948 due to its unreliability. The retirement of #400 that year ended all passenger services.
Locomotive Roster
| Builder | Model Type | Road Number | Notes | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMD | SW8 | 40-41 | Acquired new: December, 1950. Sold to NL&G in 1969. | 2 |
| Baldwin | VO-1000 | 42-43 | Ex-Cotton Belt, sold in 1967 to Georgetown Railroad. | 2 |
| EMD | F7A | 44-48 | Ex-SP, all sold. | 5 |
| EMD | FP7 | 49 | Ex-WP, trade-in to GE for a U23B in 1968 that went to the WAG. | 1 |
| EMD | GP7 | 50, 52 | Ex-UP, Ex-C&O: The former traded-in to GE, the latter sold to CSS&SB | 2 |
| EMD | GP9 | 51, 53 | Ex-UP, traded in to GE. | 2 |
| EMD | GP35 | 54 | Ex-Cotton Belt | 1 |
| EMD | GP11 | 55 | Ex-IC GP. | 1 |
| EMD | GP40 | 56-57 | Ex-DT&I | 2 |
| EMD | GP15-1 | 1448 | Ex-Conrail | 1 |
| EMD | GP7 | 4153 | Ex-L&A | 1 |
| EMD | GP9 | 4164 | Ex-L&A | 1 |
Thanks to Alton B. Lanier's "567B's in the Bromine Belt" from the May, 1985 issue of Trains magazine as a primary reference for this article.
Today
Over the years, the Louisiana and North West Railroad owned a wide variety of steam and diesel locomotives, both purchased new as well as secondhand. Its largest steamer was a 2-8-2 Mikado and most such locomotives were Baldwin products.
However, during the diesel era it owned only two Baldwins, a pair of VO-1000 switchers. Aside from these its diesels have exclusively been EMD products from GP7s and GP9s to GP35s and GP40s.
The future of the L&NW looks to be very good with a profitable mixed traffic base and connections to Union Pacific at McNeil and Kansas City Southern at Gibsland (which purchased the old IC route).
Recent Articles
-
Amtrak’s Maple Leaf – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 07:29 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the strongest scenic stretches, border practicalities, and tips for a smooth New York–Toronto trip. -
Leadville Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 21, 26 02:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion, what to expect onboard, altitude considerations, and practical tips for a Leadville railroad day. -
Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 01:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the best scenic stretches, practical travel notes, and tips for foliage and shoulder-season rides. -
East Broad Top Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 21, 26 01:05 PM
This guide covers the passenger experience, what makes EBT unique, practical planning notes, and how it fits into a broader Pennsylvania railroad trip. -
Best Steam-Powered Scenic Train Rides in the Eastern U.S. 2026
Jul 21, 26 11:25 AM
Discover the best steam-powered scenic train rides in the Eastern U.S. for 2026. From Cass Scenic Railroad Shays to Strasburg and other heritage steam operations — schedules, highlights, and tips. -
Best Steam Train Rides in America (2026): Top Scenic Steam Experiences
Jul 21, 26 11:23 AM
Looking for the best steam train rides in the United States for 2026? This guide ranks the highest-value scenic steam experiences—railroads where live steam is a core part of the product, not a once-a… -
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 21, 26 11:08 AM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion, special trains, what to expect onboard, and practical tips for planning a Cumberland-area railroad day. -
Amtrak’s Sunset Limited – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 10:43 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the strongest scenic stretches, practical travel notes, and tips for a smooth multi-night trip. -
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 10:43 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the best coastal stretches, practical tips, and how to use the Surfliner as either a day trip or a link in a longer California rail itinerary. -
Ohio’s LM&M Bourbon Train: Whiskey Tasting on the Rails in Lebanon
Jul 20, 26 02:54 PM
Looking for a bourbon tasting that is not another distillery tour queue? The Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad (LM&M) in Lebanon, Ohio, runs adult-oriented Food & Drink trains—and its Bourbon Train is o… -
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train: Classic Dining on the Rails in Bardstown
Jul 20, 26 02:44 PM
For travelers who specifically search “dinner train” (not wine tasting, not murder mystery, not Polar Express), Bardstown is still one of the first names that comes up—and for good reason. -
New Hope Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 02:30 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main scenic product, special trains, what to expect, and how to pair the ride with a day in New Hope. -
Mount Washington Cog Railway: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 20, 26 02:08 PM
This 2026 guide covers summit and shorter trips, steam vs. biodiesel power, what to expect on the grade, and how to plan around New England’s short, intense peak season. -
Heber Valley Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 01:41 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main scenic products, special trains, and practical tips for planning a Heber outing. -
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 20, 26 01:25 PM
This 2026 guide covers full-line and shorter trip options, what you will see, classes of service, and how to plan a full day on one of America’s great scenic trains. -
Amtrak’s City of New Orleans – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 20, 26 11:25 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, what to watch for, practical travel information, and tips for a smooth one-night trip. -
Best Dinner Train Rides in America (2026): Top Scenic Experiences
Jul 20, 26 11:13 AM
Looking for the best dinner train rides in the United States for 2026? This guide ranks the highest-value scenic dining experiences—trains where the meal is the main event, not just a snack bar—and po… -
Amtrak’s Auto Train – Complete 2026 Passenger Guide
Jul 20, 26 10:59 AM
This 2026 guide covers how the service works, what the ride is like, practical tips for vehicle loading, and who should choose the Auto Train over flying or driving the whole way. -
Tennessee - Tea Tasting - Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:55 AM
If you’re looking for a Chattanooga outing that feels equal parts special occasion and time-travel, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) has a surprisingly elegant answer: The Homefront Tea Roo… -
Indiana -Ice Cream- Tasting Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:45 AM
The Indiana Rail Experience's "Indiana Ice Cream Train" is designed for everyone—families with young kids, casual visitors in town for the lake, and even adults who just want… -
Colorado *Wine Tasting* Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:43 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… -
Georgia *Wine Tasting* Train Rides In Cordele
Jul 20, 26 10:22 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 like… -
Kansas * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Ride
Jul 20, 26 10:14 AM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
New Hampshire * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 09:05 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
White Pass & Yukon Route: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 12:29 AM
This 2026 guide covers the main Summit Excursion and longer options, what you will see, and how to book around the short, intense summer season. -
Verde Canyon Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 12:10 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, classes of service, the best times to ride, and practical tips for a full half-day outing in the Verde Valley. -
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:55 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River style excursions, classes of service, peak seasons, and tips for pairing the train with a Smokies vacation. -
Royal Gorge Route Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:54 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, classes of service, the best times to ride, and practical tips for a Cañon City / Colorado Springs / Pueblo area day trip. -
Strasburg Rail Road: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:52 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion product, what to expect onboard, special trains, and practical tips for a smooth family or railfan day trip. -
Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF): Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Jul 19, 26 08:12 PM
The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway was among the earliest and most influential American railroads to embrace diesel-electric motive power. -
America 250 Locomotive Celebration Set for August 28-30 at NCTM
Jul 19, 26 11:22 AM
The North Carolina Transportation Museum, Trains Magazine, and White River Productions have announced the America 250 Locomotive Celebration. -
West Virginia ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 11:08 AM
While D&GV is known for several different excursions across the region, one of the most entertaining rides on its calendar is the Greenbrier Express Wild West Special. -
Indiana ~ Whiskey Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:56 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… -
Arizona ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:45 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… -
Iowa ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:39 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. -
Florida * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:34 AM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
New York * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:19 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides!" -
Georgetown Loop Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 04:15 PM
This 2026 guide covers the ride experience, mine tour add-ons, best seasons, and how to plan a smooth Denver-area railroad outing. -
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 02:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main National Park Scenic experience, bike-and-rail options, special trains, and practical tips for Northeast Ohio visitors. -
Conway Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 01:57 PM
This 2026 guide explains the main trip types, when to book for fall color, and how to plan a North Conway railroad day that fits families and serious scenery hunters alike. -
Cass Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 01:30 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main trips, what makes Cass different from ordinary tourist railroads, and how to plan around weather, grades, and peak foliage season. -
Best Scenic Train Rides in America (2026): Top Routes & Day Trips
Jul 18, 26 12:43 PM
There is no single “best” train—only the best match for your region, season, budget, and whether you want multi-day sleepers or a same-day steam excursion. -
Pennsylvania ~ Beer Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:38 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. -
North Carolina ~ Beer Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:33 AM
If you’re looking for the most “Bryson City” way to combine railroading and local flavor, the Smoky Mountain Beer Run is the one to circle on the calendar. -
California ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:30 AM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Arkansas ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:24 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… -
Pennsylvania ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:17 AM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
New Jersey ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:15 AM
There are currently no murder mystery dinner trains available in New Jersey although until 2023 the Cape May Seashore Lines offered this event. Perhaps they will again soon! -
USDOT Releases Phase I Penn Station Service Optimization Study
Jul 17, 26 05:56 PM
The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration have released the Phase I report of the New York Penn Station Service Optimization Study. -
FRA Expands Automated Track Inspection Tests as CSX Begins Rollout
Jul 17, 26 05:48 PM
The Federal Railroad Administration has green-lighted a broader five-year waiver framework allowing freight railroads to expand Automated Track Inspection (ATI) technology on revenue track.
%20pass%20the%20general%20office%20building%20in%20Homer%2C%20Louisiana%2C%20circa%201984.%20%20Mike%20Bledsoe%20photo.%20%20American-Rails.com%20collection.){kind=link}
%20work%20the%20historic%20road's%20small%20yard%20and%20home%20base%20in%20Homer%2C%20Louisiana%20during%20December%20of%201977.%20Gary%20Morris%20photo.){kind=link}
