1. Home
 ›
2. Fallen Flags
 ›
3. Southern Railway

Southern Railway (USA): Map, Locomotives, Logo, History

Last revised: February 22, 2025

By: Adam Burns

One of America's great transportation companies was the Southern Railway.  Its immediate predecessor was the Richmond & Danville while a myriad of other systems came together in comprising a network of more than 6,000 route miles.  

From an early period, excellent management defined the Southern.  So well in fact that legendary railroader Jim McClellan is quoted as saying the company was a rather boring place to work (from Rush Loving, Jr.'s book, "The Men Who Loved Trains").

As a longtime officer who later worked at Norfolk Southern, McClellan knew of what he spoke.    The Southern was a well-oiled machine with precision-like efficiency.  Outwardly, it lived up to its name quite well as the South's largest railroad serving virtually every state below the Mason-Dixon Line and east of the Mississippi River.  

Perhaps its classic Virginia Green livery was quite befitting for such a profitable and highly respected company.   When CSX was formed in 1980 Southern and Norfolk & Western realized they must merge to remain competitive, completing the union in 1982.  Today, much of the Southern remains an important component under Norfolk Southern. 

Photos

A classic set of Southern Railway F7's have through freight #154 rolling northbound near Austell, Georgia (just west of Atlanta) on May 26, 1956. Shelby Lowe photo.

History

The Southern Railway can trace its heritage all of the way back to the South Carolina Canal And Rail Road Company chartered on December 19, 1827.  Its promoters envisioned the system to haul agricultural products from inland farms to the port city of Charleston.  

The first 6 miles were in service during the summer of 1830 and by October of 1833 the entire 136-mile line was opened from Charleston to Hamburg (directly across the Savannah River from Augusta).  

A quartet of Southern GP30's hustle a string of trailers along the main line near Greensboro, North Carolina during November of 1971. Warren Calloway photo.

At A Glance

It was the longest railroad of its day although the Southern did not gain control of what was then the South Carolina & Georgia Railroad until 1899 which became part of its Piedmont Division.  

The modern Southern Railway began with the Richmond & Danville Railroad chartered on March 9, 1847 to connect its namesake cities in Virginia.  

The South at this time was developing into an economic juggernaut in the areas of cotton, agriculture, and manufacturing.  The R&D completed its charter by 1856 on a 5-foot, broad-gauge network.  It was not long before its promoters eyed further expansion.

A pair of Southern Railway "F's" in service, led by F3A #6706, at Eatonton, Georgia; November 24, 1972. American-Rails.com collection.

Formation

There is a long, seemingly infinite list of predecessors which comprised the modern Southern Railway.  Three which stand out include the Richmond & Danville; East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia; and Queen & Crescent Route.  

For many builders, acquiring the necessary funding coupled with the political backing and general fortitude in seeing a railroad completed was extremely difficult.  Many grand projects never made it off the paper they were written on while others ran out of money before completion.  

The Richmond & Danville was one of the few to have success relatively early and continued rapid expansion thereafter.  Despite the ongoing Civil War it reached Greensboro, North Carolina in 1864 through a subsidiary known as the Piedmont Railroad.  

By 1873 Atlanta was reached along with a connection to Washington, D.C. through a partnership with several other carriers that marketed their route as the "Piedmont Air-Line." 

This term had nothing to do with air planes or flying; it became popular at the time to describe what was at least perceived as a high-speed, low-grade corridor envisioned with high fills, deep cuts, and towering bridges.

A quartet of Southern Railway E8A's, led by #6907, have the "Southern Crescent" at Atlanta, Georgia on July 11, 1978. Carl Sturner photo. American-Rails.com collection.

These railroads, which included the Atlanta & Richmond Air Line (Charlotte - Atlanta); North Carolina Railroad (Charlotte - Morehead City, it is still owned by the state); Charlotte, Columbia & Augusta (Charlotte, North Carolina to Augusta, Georgia); and Richmond & York River (Richmond to West Point, Virginia) all would eventually fall under the Richmond & Danville's control.  

Through a series of corporate maneuverings, R&D ownership formed the Richmond Terminal in 1880 to continue expansion across the south.  According to Tom Murray's book, "Southern Railway," within just a few years the two companies controlled some 2,500 miles of track!  

Southern GP30's working local service at Cary, North Carolina in the fall of 1965. Warren Calloway photo.

Expansion

The next important component was the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railway.  In time it became nearly as large as the R&D.  Its story begins with two predecessors; the East Tennessee & Virginia and East Tennessee & Georgia.  

The former was incorporated on January 27, 1848 and opened a 131-mile route from Knoxville to Bristol, Tennessee in 1856.  

The latter initially began as the Hiwassee Rail Road incorporated on February 19, 1836 and then reorganized as the East Tennessee & Georgia on January 1, 1847.  It completed a 140-mile line from Knoxville, Tennessee to Dalton, Georgia via Chattanooga in 1859. 

Logo

The Southern Railway logo. Author's work.

In the following decade the two merged in 1869 to form the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railway.  At first, the ETV&G was little more than a regional system.  

However, soon a connection was established with the Virginia & Tennessee (a future Norfolk & Western component) in opening a through route to the port of Norfolk, Virginia.  

In 1872 the ETV&G set out upon a massive expansion program by acquiring numerous smaller lines, starting with a lease of the 332-mile Memphis & Charleston linking Memphis with Stevenson, Alabama.  Then, in 1880 the Selma, Rome & Dalton was added from Selma, Alabama to Kingston, Georgia.  

A year later this was followed with the Macon & Brunswick, which ran 185 miles between its namesake cities.  At first, the M&B was disconnected from the ETV&G's network.  

However, in short order a new extension was finished from Rome to Macon, which provided a through route to the Atlantic coast.  At its peak the ETV&G owned or controlled some 1,400 miles.  Ownership at the time, hoping to further line their pockets, sold out to the Richmond & Danville in February of 1887.

A handsome group of Southern Railway E8A's layover at the Ivy City engine terminal in Washington, D.C. awaiting their next assignments to lead the "Southern Crescent" on March 19, 1977. William Mischler photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Finally, there was the Queen & Crescent Route.  This was not actually a railroad but rather a consortium of systems providing a through route from Cincinnati, Ohio to New Orleans.  Three of note went on to join the future Southern Railway.  

These included the Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific (created in 1881 it ran 336 miles along a twisting and winding main line from Cincinnati to Chattanooga); Alabama Great Southern (formed in November of 1877 it completed a 295-mile corridor from Chattanooga to Meridian, Mississippi); and the New Orleans & Northeastern (incorporated in 1868 it opened a 196-mile route from Meridian to New Orleans in 1883).  

System Map (1952)

A 1952 system map of the Southern Railway, prior to its acquisition of the Central of Georgia, Savannah & Atlanta, and Georgia & Florida in 1963. In addition, it would later acquire the original Norfolk Southern in 1974. Author's work.

The CNO&TP is of particular interest; later known as Southern's "Rathole Division" due to numerous tunnels until an improvement program in the 1960's eliminated many, the line was originally built by Cincinnati's own Cincinnati Southern Railway.  

The CNO&TP leased it from the city in 1881 which passed on to the ETV&G in 1890.  The Southern later continued the lease through the CNO&TP and today it carries on under Norfolk Southern.  The Alabama Great Southern was also leased in 1890 while the New Orleans & Northeastern was a late addition, not joining the Southern until 1916.

System Map (1969)

An official, 1969 system map of the Southern Railway. Author's collection.

In 1890 the Richmond Terminal Company, which controlled or operated most of the above-mentioned properties, had a staggering network of nearly 9,000 route miles.  According to Mike Schafer's book, "More Classic American Railroads," as early as 1887 the R&D and ETV&G were studying the possibility of merger.  

Unfortunately, financial issues delayed the union and then the Richmond Terminal failed.  Banking mogul J.P. Morgan subsequently gained control of the assets and believed the only means of successfully reorganizing the company was to unify a faction of its railroads under one system.

Thus was born the Southern Railway on July 1, 1894.  Morgan, who only oversaw the company through reorganization, believed a healthy railroad was only possible utilizing less than half of the former network.  

Totaling just over 2,000 route miles these included the Richmond & Danville, Virginia Midland (reaching Washington, D.C. via Danville), Piedmont Railroad, North Carolina Railroad (leased), and Atlanta & Charlotte Air Line.  

Before long, under the direction of Samuel Spencer, most of the original trackage was reacquired.  Later in the summer of 1894 the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia; Charlotte, Columbia & Augusta; Georgia Pacific; Louisville Southern; and Columbia & Greenville all rejoined the system.  These railroads totaled some 2,400 route miles.

Southern GP38AC #2860 leads trailers southbound near Midland, Virginia in August, 1982. American-Rails.com collection.

At the end of the century more additions followed: in 1895 the Atlanta & Florida; Georgia Southern & Florida; and Alabama Great Southern all came under Southern control.  Then, the Memphis & Charleston was added three years later.  

Just before 1900 yet more followed including the South Carolina & Georgia; Augusta Southern; Mobile & Birmingham; Atlantic & Danville; and finally the Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific.  Altogether, Southern operated 6,431 route miles.  

Running south from our nation's capital it connected the Carolina's, served much of Georgia and Alabama, and then terminated in northern Florida.  The road's expansion continued into the early 20th century; in 1901 it reached the important gateway of St. Louis through the Louisville, Evansville & St. Louis.  

A year later a link to Jacksonville, Florida was established via the Atlantic, Valdosta & Western.  In 1908 it grabbed the Virginia & Southwestern which provided an important coal line into the state's southwestern corner.  

Here, interchange commenced with the important coal roads of the Clinchfield, Interstate, and Louisville & Nashville.  As previously mentioned, its last great extension occurred with the 1916 takeover of the New Orleans & Northeastern.

Southern Railway (CNO&TP) FTA #6100, part of the famous #103 demonstrator set that toured the country in 1939, sits on display at Electro-Motive's 50th Anniversary celebration open house at La Grange, Illinois; September 9, 1972. American-Rails.com collection.

Modern Network

In the succeeding years the Southern controlled even more properties although not all were retained such as the Mobile & Ohio and Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville (Monon).  Others, however, became important assets including the aforementioned Interstate Railroad and Central of Georgia, both acquired during the 1960's.  

Backed by strong management and a diverse traffic base the Southern spent the 20th century greatly improving its network.  Its slogan, “The Southern Gives A Green Light To Innovations," fit the company well.

It was quick to adopt new technologies that greatly improved efficiency such as Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) and double-tracked many miles of main line.  

An A-B set of Southern Railway F3's in the company's original passenger livery layover at the Ivy City engine terminal in Washington, D.C. on May 14, 1947. When they first entered service these units handled runs between Washington and Atlanta. Leonard Rice photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Notable here included Washington to Atlanta, Cincinnati to Chattanooga, Birmingham to Meridian, and components south of Savannah.  Dieselization also was adopted early; the railroad acquired its first examples in 1939 when new railcars arrived from the St. Louis Car Company (a notable builder of interurban equipment).

It then purchased its first road units in 1940 with Electro-Motive's game-changing FT cab model.  By 1953 it had retired steam completely. 

A pair of Southern Railway FP7's lead a special fan trip across Williamsburg Road in Richmond, Virginia on July 24, 1983. Doug Boyd photo/Warren Calloway collection.

During the steam era it rostered many wheel arrangements, from large to small.  For example, big 2-8-8-2's were used on coal assignments out of the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia (the Appalachia Division) while handsome 4-6-2's (Ps-4) carried the very best passenger trains it had to offer.

These Pacific's are best remembered for leading Southern’s flagship, the Crescent. They were adorned to match their trains in beautiful Virginia Green with white and gold trim. Fortunately one has been saved, #1401, which today resides at the Smithsonian where it is proudly displayed in its original livery.  

One of the Southern's famous late-era mixed trains, Extra 4145, rolls through Boylan Junction in Raleigh, North Carolina on September 7, 1969. Warren Calloway photo.

Passenger Trains

Aiken-Augusta Special: (Washington - Salisbury - Augusta)

Asheville Special: (Washington - Greensboro - Asheville)

Birmingham Special: (Washington - Birmingham)

Carolina Special: (Cincinnati - Greensboro/Charleston)

Crescent:  (New York-Washington-Atlanta-Montgomery-New Orleans)

Florida Sunbeam: (Cincinnati - Florida)

Kansas City-Florida Special: (Kansas City - Brunswick, Georgia/Florida)

Peach Queen: (Washington - Atlanta)

Pelican: (New York-Lynchburg-Bristol-Knoxville-Chattanooga-Birmingham-New Orleans)

Piedmont Limited: (Washington - New Orleans)

Ponce de Leon: (Cincinnati - Jacksonville)

Queen & Crescent: (Cincinnati - New Orleans)

Royal Palm: (Cincinnati-Chattanooga-Jacksonville)

Skyland Special: (Asheville - Jacksonville)

Southerner: (Washington-Atlanta-Birmingham-New Orleans)

Sunnyland: (Memphis - Atlanta)

Tennessean: (Washington-Lynchburg-Bristol-Knoxville-Chattanooga-Memphis)

Washington-Atlanta-New Orleans Express: (Washington - Atlanta - New Orleans)

A busy scene at Boylan Junction in Raleigh, North Carolina during the early Norfolk Southern era on November 18, 1983. Warren Calloway photo.

Much of what made the company so successful were its many fine business leaders. It began with Samuel Spencer who helped piece together much of what became the Southern Railway.  

Later Ernest Norris oversaw dieselization while Harry deButts understood how to sustain success in the postwar years.  By the time D.W. Brosnan rose to the helm the company was already highly-respected.

Southern Railway FP7 #6148 leads train 5, the remnants of the "Piedmont Limited" carrying expedited intermodal business, through Orange, Virginia on March 13, 1972. Marty Bernard photo.

Diesel Roster

American Locomotive Company

Baldwin Locomotive Works

Electro-Motive Division

Fairbanks-Morse

General Electric

Southern 4-8-2 #6499 (Class Ts-1) is between assignments at Danville, Kentucky in May, 1948. This was one of five Mountains assigned to the CNO&TP (#1475, #1495, #1496, #1497, and #1498. This engine was originally #1475, later renumbered 6499. William Clark photo.

Steam Roster

The Southern's network was an interesting mix of stiff grades through the Appalachians and Carolina piedmont to a relatively flat profile along the coastal plains of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Whil the railroad's freight traffic was always quite diverse via its important Washington - New Orleans/Memphis and Cincinnati/New Orleans gateways, it also handled heavy coal traffic out of extreme western Virginia/eastern Tennessee.

As a result, its steam fleet was an eclectic mix of large examples like 2-10-2s and 2-8-8-2s to 2-8-2s and 2-8-0s, which handled most general freight.

The Southern became well known for the elegance and grace of its steam locomotives.  Many, especially those leading passenger trains, were adorned in brass accents, stars on their cylinders, whitewall wheels, and everything polished to a high gloss.

In later years the railroad also painted several in a handsome Virginia Green livery with gold trim, as seen in the photo below by Shelby Lowe.

Because the Southern controlled or operated so many different railroads the company broke down its steam roster into a numbering series as follows:

• 1-5249: Southern Railway

• 6000-6499: Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific Railway

• 6500-6696: Alabama Great Southern Rialroad

• 6800-6979: New Orleans & Northeastern Railroad

• 7000-7084: New Orleans Terminal Company

• 8000-8034: Russian Decapods 

• 8200-8375: Georgia Southern & Florida Railway

• 8550-8556: St. John's River Terminal (Jacksonville, FL)

Class Ps4 (4-6-2)

Southern's Ps4 class has often been called one of the most beautiful Pacifics ever constructed featuring a long, graceful boiler, large drivers, and handsome livery of Virginia Green with white and gold trim adorning various  aspects of the locomotives. 

This was all accomplished years before the idea of streamlining became a popular concept and steamers.  Prior to the 1930's, the industry paid little attention to the idea of dressing their trains in vibrant colors, let alone adorning them in a sleek appearance. 

During that era they were viewed only as utilitarian; most locomotives were black and cars drab, "Pullman Green," brown, or some other dull pigment. 

A few railroads, like the Baltimore & Ohio and Southern, went against the grain which led to the Ps4 variant. Thankfully, for history’s sake and the railfan community, the Southern recognized the significance of its Ps4 class and donated one to the Smithsonian Institution in 1961.  You can still see her on display  it continues to be displayed to this day.

The Ps4 was not the company's only group of 4-6-2s, actually very far from it. After the Chesapeake & Ohio put into service the first Pacific in 1902 the Southern was not far behind. 

Just a few years later in 1905 it began operating its own design, listed as Class P.  Short for Pacific, many railroads utilized a similar classification to designate its 4-6-2s.  The wheel arrangement was also commonly used in passenger service. 

On the Southern, this was no different where six large drivers provided sufficient power and speed during the early 20th century.  Interestingly, in 1906 the railroad also acquired a handful for freight service.   

In the end the Southern purchased there different batches of Pacific's which were assigned within the P class.  The later variants were out-shopped through 1910 with six stenciled for subsidiary Georgia, Southern & Florida Railway.

These early Pacifics were built by a combination of manufacturers including Baldwin and the American Locomotive Company's (Alco) Richmond plant, totaling 72 units in all.

Between 1911 and 1914 the locomotives were rebuilt with superheaters and other upgrades, and were reclassified as Ps-2. Interestingly, the Ps4 class was the final batch of Pacifics the Southern owned and spanned nearly 10 years from the railroad's last order of 4-6-2s. 

For instance, between 1905 and 1914 the company purchased or reclassified a total of seven different batches of Pacifics which included Class P, P-1, Ps-2, H/H1, H-1/Ps, H/H-2, and H/Ps-3. The Ps4 was not built until 1923 with most manufactured by Alco's Schenectady and Richmond plants. 

These totaled 23 units (#1366-1392) and three years later in 1926 the railroad ordered 20 additional examples, which also came from Alco.

It was the arrival of the first batch that the world was exposed to the Southern's unveiling of elegant Virginia green. The livery was inspired from British railways, which were well-known for very elegant schemes adorning their locomotives.

While the Pacifics were draped mostly in deep green they also received gold and white pinstriping with white-wall wheels. Like the Baltimore & Ohio’s magnificent EM-1 locomotive class the Ps4s did not have a considerably long lifespan for a steam locomotive.

These were the only 4-6-2s, and only steamers within the Southern's entire fleet, to receive this special livery to haul the company's premier passenger runs of the period such as the Crescent.

After Alco delivered the last Ps4s in the late 1920s they survived less than thirty years before being retired in 1952 and replaced by the Electro-Motive Division’s (EMD) E7 diesel-electrics to pull the Southern’s premier passenger trains. 

In regular service the Pacifics performed admirably with the job they were tasked. Sporting driving wheels of 73 inches they were capable of speeds approaching 80 mph with nearly 1,000 tons in tow on level track and regularly cruised the Southern’s Charlotte Division (between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta) main line at nearly 60 mph.  

Finally, one Ps4, #1380, received streamlining and a special version of the Virginia green livery to power its new Southerner in 1941 between New York and New Orleans.   

Thanks to the Southern's recognition of its history the railroad not only spared #1401 (among the last it purchased) but gave the locomotive a full cosmetic restoration in the late fall of 1961 before donating it to the Smithsonian. The new museum, where the Pacific is now on display, was completed and opened to the public in January of 1964.

A beautiful Southern 4-8-2, #1452 (Class Ts), rides the turntable (note the company herald attached to the railing) at Asheville, North Carolina on February 8, 1950 shortly before its retirement. Shelby Lowe photo.

Southern Railway

Alabama Great Southern

Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific

Georgia Southern & Florida Railway

New Orleans & Northeastern

New Orleans Terminal

St. Johns River Terminal Company

Southern F3s, led by #4134, are in Roanoke, Virginia on the Norfolk & Western on April 4, 1967. Photographer unknown. American-Rails.com collection.

Norfolk Southern

Brosnan added yet more new technologies and improved operations in such areas as eliminating known bottlenecks and utilizing computers. Graham Claytor, Jr. was the next-to-last president and carried out things much as his predecessors had done before him.  

In the Southern’s final days under L. Stanley Crane operations hummed along even as the industry hit an all-time low.  

In 1981, the road's last full year of independence it earned nearly $1.8 billion in revenues.  The urgent union with Norfolk & Western was approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1982 and today Norfolk Southern Corporation carries on the fine traditions set forth by its predecessors.  

The company is still renowned for its sound management and business practices.  It continually ranks at the top of the industry in annual revenue and a low operating ratio.  

During the 1990s another fight broke out with CSX, this time for control of Conrail.  In the end the two agreed to split Big Blue with NS gaining a 58% stake in the company leaving the eastern United States with only two Class I railroads.

Photos

Southern 4-8-2 #1459 (Class Ts) awaits the arrival of train #28 at Asheville, North Carolina on February 16, 1950. The Mountain would lead the train eastbound into Charleston, South Carolina. From the Shelby Lowe collection.

An A-B-B-A-A set of Southern 'F' units, led by F3A #4195, in freight service at Asheville, North Carolina in July, 1973. Warren Calloway photo.

FacebookXPinterestTumblrRedditWhatsAppMessenger

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. Famous Railroad Landmarks in the United States

   Aug 11, 26 12:45 AM

   
   If you have ever wondered about some of the most well known railroad landmarks around the country you can read about them here.

   Read More

2. Diesel Locomotives Of The 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and Today

   Aug 11, 26 12:35 AM

   
   Read about the history of diesel locomotives, how they function and operate, and the dozens of different models built by the five major manufacturers.

   Read More

3. Heber Valley Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)

   Aug 11, 26 12:22 AM

   
   The Heber Valley Railroad in Heber City, Utah markets year-round scenic products with a clear seasonal split: the Lakeside Limited is the fall/winter reservoir-side scenic, while the Deer Creek Expres…

   Read More

4. Black Hills Central 1880 Train Fall Foliage Ride (2026)

   Aug 11, 26 12:14 AM

   
   The Black Hills Central Railroad—marketed as the 1880 Train—is the primary fall foliage rail excursion offering in South Dakota.

   Read More

5. New Haven’s Roger Williams Streamliner: History, Specs & Legacy

   Aug 10, 26 11:07 PM

   
   The Roger Williams, built by the Budd Company in 1956 and delivered for 1956–57 service, was a complete six-car diesel multiple unit (DMU) derived from Budd’s hugely successful Rail Diesel Car (RDC) p…

   Read More

6. Railroad Tycoons List (USA): Men Of The Gilded Age (1800s)

   Aug 10, 26 05:54 PM

   
   Railroad tycoons, moguls, and barons were titans of 19th and early 20th century American commerce who laid the foundation of the modern industry we know today.

   Read More

7. Fallen Flags: The Classic American Railroad

   Aug 10, 26 04:42 PM

   
   Featured here are detailed histories of more than 100 classic railroads, or "fallen flags," from the mighty Pennsylvania Railroad to the small Monon.

   Read More

8. Railroad History (USA): Facts, Timeline, Definition

   Aug 10, 26 04:18 PM

   
   Interested in learning much more about out nation's rail history as well who invented the iron horse and when? Find it all here.

   Read More

9. Steam Locomotives (USA): Invention, History, Types

   Aug 10, 26 04:08 PM

   
   The classic iron horse, steam locomotives are legendary machines that still hold awe over the general public today.

   Read More

10. Streamliners (Trains): History, Timetables, Schedules

    Aug 10, 26 03:45 PM

    
    Read about many of the most well known streamliners here and why the period of the 1930s to 1960s is often considered the "Silver Age" of rail travel.

    Read More

11. Michigan -- Wild West -- Train Rides

    Aug 10, 26 01:35 PM

    
    While the term 'wild west' often conjures up images of dusty plains and expansive deserts, Michigan offers its own unique take on this thrilling period of history.

    Read More

12. Wisconsin -- Wild West -- Train Rides

    Aug 10, 26 01:11 PM

    
    Through a unique blend of interactive entertainment and historical reverence, Wisconsin offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its Wild West train rides.

    Read More

13. Florida -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides

    Aug 10, 26 01:00 PM

    
    Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards.

    Read More

14. New York -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides

    Aug 10, 26 12:16 PM

    
    This article will delve into the history, offerings, and appeal of wine tasting trains in New York, guiding you through a unique experience that combines the romance of the rails with the sophisticati…

    Read More

15. Florida Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Aug 10, 26 12:02 PM

    
    A Florida train rides guide, including all known railroad museums to visit within the state. Learn more about them here.

    Read More

16. Michigan Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Aug 10, 26 11:53 AM

    
    There is no better way to experience the Great Lakes State's countryside than on the railroad. Michigan train rides offer visitors much to experience.

    Read More

17. Ohio Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Aug 10, 26 11:05 AM

    
    Most of the Ohio train rides available to the public are small in nature. However, the state is home to the very popular Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Byesville Scenic, and Hocking Valley Scenic.

    Read More

18. New York Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Aug 10, 26 11:03 AM

    
    New York scenic train rides offer about everything you can imagine from steam locomotives to long dinner train rides.

    Read More

19. California -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides

    Aug 10, 26 10:40 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…

    Read More

20. Vermont -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides

    Aug 10, 26 09:57 AM

    
    There are currently murder mystery dinner trains offered in Vermont but until recently the Champlain Valley Dinner Train offered such a trip!

    Read More

21. Short Line Railroads (Class 3): List, Revenue, Definition

    Aug 10, 26 09:02 AM

    
    A close-up look at several Class III railroads, or "short lines." These systems are in vastly greater numbers today as Class Is continue to shed trackage.

    Read More

22. Class 2 "Regional" Railroads: Definition, List, Statistics

    Aug 10, 26 12:21 AM

    
    Class II railroads, also referred to as "regionals," are the second-largest such companies within the industry. The information here covers most of these lines.

    Read More

23. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC): History, Network, Overview

    Aug 10, 26 12:00 AM

    
    The Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Railway is a new Class I carrier in 2021 resulting from the Canadian Pacific/Kansas City Southern merger. Learn more here.

    Read More

24. Class 1 Railroads (USA): Revenue, Statistics, Overview

    Aug 09, 26 10:57 PM

    
    In railroad jargon, Class 1 refers to the largest companies in the industry and all six in North America are highlighted here.

    Read More

25. Royal Gorge Route Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)

    Aug 09, 26 03:02 PM

    
    The Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Cañon City, Colorado is a year-round scenic dining railroad whose fall value is the canyon itself: roughly a two-hour out-and-back through the Royal Gorge with granit…

    Read More

26. Huckleberry Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)

    Aug 09, 26 02:35 PM

    
    The Huckleberry Railroad at Crossroads Village (Genesee County Parks, near Flint, Michigan) is a family autumn destination: three-foot-gauge steam (when scheduled) looping wooded Genesee County countr…

    Read More

27. French Lick Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)

    Aug 09, 26 02:17 PM

    
    The French Lick Scenic Railway in French Lick, Indiana is the southern Indiana foliage train to watch: scenic excursions of about 90 minutes through hills and forests, departing the historic 1907 lime…

    Read More

28. California -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides

    Aug 09, 26 10:56 AM

    
    While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails.

    Read More

29. New Jersey -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides

    Aug 09, 26 10:53 AM

    
    On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train.

    Read More

30. Georgia -- Wild West -- Train Rides

    Aug 09, 26 10:52 AM

    
    Nestled within its lush hills and historic towns, the Peach State offers unforgettable train rides that channel the spirit of the Wild West.

    Read More

31. North Carolina -- Wild West -- Train Rides

    Aug 09, 26 10:31 AM

    
    North Carolina, a state known for its diverse landscapes ranging from serene beaches to majestic mountains, offers a unique blend of history and adventure through its Wild West train rides.

    Read More

32. Michigan -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides

    Aug 09, 26 10:28 AM

    
    In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Michigan’s wine tasting train experiences that cater to both wine connoisseurs and railway aficionados.

    Read More

33. Indiana -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides

    Aug 09, 26 10:26 AM

    
    In this article, we'll delve into the experience of wine tasting trains in Indiana, exploring their routes, services, and the rising popularity of this unique adventure.

    Read More

34. Illinois -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides

    Aug 09, 26 10:19 AM

    
    Among Illinois's scenic train rides, one of the most unique and captivating experiences is the murder mystery excursion.

    Read More

35. Maryland -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides

    Aug 09, 26 10:05 AM

    
    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?

    Read More

36. East Broad Top Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)

    Aug 09, 26 12:09 AM

    
    The East Broad Top Railroad at Rockhill Furnace / Orbisonia, Pennsylvania is not a mass-market “leaf special” brand so much as a living industrial-history railroad whose public calendar runs deep into…

    Read More

37. Strasburg Rail Road Whiskey on the Rails (2026)

    Aug 08, 26 08:28 PM

    
    Whiskey on the Rails is the Strasburg Rail Road’s intimate adult spirits product: a roughly 45-minute to one-hour steam ride through Lancaster County Amish Country aboard historic First Class Dining C…

    Read More

38. Indiana Whiskey & Bourbon Tasting Train Rides

    Aug 08, 26 01:53 PM

    
    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…

    Read More

39. Minnesota -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides

    Aug 08, 26 01:04 PM

    
    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.

    Read More

40. New Mexico Whiskey Tasting Train Rides

    Aug 08, 26 12:52 PM

    
    New Mexico’s high-desert rail scene has a clear spirits star: Sky Railway in Santa Fe, whose special-event calendar includes Whiskey on the Rails—a 21+ pop-up pairing Santa Fe Spirits with a round tri…

    Read More

41. Connecticut -- Whiskey Tasting -- Train Rides

    Aug 08, 26 12:42 PM

    
    While the Naugatuck Railroad runs a variety of trips throughout the year, one event has quickly become a “circle it on the calendar” outing for fans of great food and spirited tastings: the BBQ &a…

    Read More

42. Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)

    Aug 08, 26 11:44 AM

    
    The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad—marketed as the Duluth River Train—offers a volunteer-run, roughly two-hour narrated round trip along the St. Louis River estuary from West Duluth.

    Read More

43. Coopersville & Marne Railway Fall / Pumpkin Trains (2026)

    Aug 08, 26 11:19 AM

    
    The Friends of the Coopersville & Marne Railway run West Michigan’s best-known autumn family train: the Pumpkin Train on October weekends, a roughly 90-minute Coopersville–Marne round trip with costum…

    Read More

44. Cape Cod Central Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)

    Aug 08, 26 11:12 AM

    The Cape Cod Central Railroad is southeastern Massachusetts’s main tourist-and-dining rail product: narrated scenic trains and multi-course dining trains from Hyannis, West Barnstable, and Buzzards Ba…

    Read More

45. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)

    Aug 08, 26 10:39 AM

    
    The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad in Boone, Iowa is the Midwest’s high-bridge foliage train: Fraser excursions cross the towering Bass Point Creek High Bridge through the Des Moines River valley as h…

    Read More

46. Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)

    Aug 08, 26 10:18 AM

    
    The Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad markets a dedicated Fall Foliage Train Ride from its Unity, Maine venue: roughly a one-hour round trip through Waldo County woods and farmland when birch, maple…

    Read More

47. Pennsylvania -- Wild West -- Train Rides

    Aug 08, 26 10:06 AM

    
    The Keystone State is home to a variety of historical attractions, but few experiences can rival the excitement and nostalgia of a Wild West train ride.

    Read More

48. Alabama -- Wild West -- Train Rides

    Aug 08, 26 10:04 AM

    
    Although Alabama isn't the traditional setting for Wild West tales, the state provides its own flavor of historic rail adventures that draw enthusiasts year-round.

    Read More

49. South Dakota -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides

    Aug 08, 26 10:02 AM

    
    For wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike, South Dakota introduces a novel way to experience its local viticulture: wine tasting aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad.

    Read More

50. West Virginia -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides

    Aug 08, 26 10:00 AM

    
    West Virginia, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offers visitors a unique way to explore its rolling hills and picturesque vineyards: wine tasting trains.

    Read More