Louisiana Interurbans and Streetcars: History, Lines, Photos

Published: April 30, 2025

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the rise of interurban and streetcar railroads marked a transformative era in public transportation. Across the United States, these electric rail systems facilitated the development of suburban areas and enhanced urban connectivity. Louisiana, with its unique geography and burgeoning cities, embraced this technological advancement, constructing networks that connected cities and neighborhoods.

New Orleans, the most populous city in Louisiana, became the epicenter of streetcar development in the state. The city's first streetcar line was launched in 1835. Initially powered by horses, the desire for more efficient transportation led to the electrification of these lines toward the end of the 19th century. The adoption of electric streetcars marked a significant shift that paralleled national trends, offering faster, quieter, and more reliable service.

The New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad, now part of the famous St. Charles Avenue line, was one of the earliest and most renowned streetcar routes, initially commencing service in the 1830s. Over the years, it evolved from horse-drawn carriages to electrified streetcars. Today, this line is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also for its distinction as the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world.

A postcard from the 1960s of the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority car #953. The streetcar line remains in service today.

By the early 1900s, New Orleans boasted a comprehensive streetcar network. These streetcars became a staple of everyday life, connecting residential areas with commercial districts and facilitating social and economic interactions. However, like many other cities across the United States, the Great Depression, changing urban dynamics, and the growing preference for automobiles in the mid-20th century led to the decline of streetcar systems. Many streetcar lines were replaced with bus routes by the 1960s.

Beyond New Orleans, interurban railroads connected distant cities and rural areas. These electric railway systems extended transportation networks beyond urban boundaries. One notable interurban line was the Baton Rouge to New Orleans route, an ambitious project that linked Louisiana's capital with its largest city. Unfortunately, many interurban lines succumbed to the same pressures that challenged streetcar systems, namely the increasing dominance of automobile travel.

Interurban/Streetcar Lines

Orleans-Kenner Electric Railway: The Orleans-Kenner Electric Railway connected New Orleans (using a private right-of-way located on the north side of the city) and Kenner operating between 1914 and 1930 before service was discontinued in favor of buses.

Before service was completely abandoned the system had come under the management of the New Orleans Public Service Company

Southwestern Traction & Power Company: The Southwestern Traction & Power Company was never a very profitable operation. It served New Iberia and Jeanerette operating a 12-mile system between 1912 and 1918 before falling into bankruptcy and service was abandoned. The line was not taken up for scrap, however, until the early 1920s.

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 on a system covering some 14 miles. It was opened in 1909 as a standard railroad using gasoline-powered "Doodlebugs".

However, in 1915 the service was upgraded to full electric power. From this point it operated until 1918 until the system was completely abandoned due to low traffic.

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.

Legacy

The decline of interurban and streetcar networks in Louisiana mirrored national trends, fueled by the emergence of highways and the post-WWII suburban boom that favored cars over public transit. Despite this decline, there has been a renaissance of interest and revitalization efforts in recent decades, particularly in New Orleans. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, streetcars saw a revival, with the city investing in new lines and the restoration of historic ones, recognizing not only their practicality but also their cultural and tourism potential.

Today, the streetcar remains an iconic symbol of New Orleans, embodying the cultural richness and historical legacy of Louisiana's public transportation history. While the expansive networks of the past are largely gone, their influence is still seen in the layout and development patterns of the cities they once served. The story of Louisiana's streetcars and interurban lines stands as a testament to the state's adaptive infrastructure and ability to balance tradition with modernity.