Railroad Archeology Multi-Cache

HISTORY: This railroad was built by the Tremont & Gulf in the 1920's to connect their mainline to Monroe. In the 1950's it was sold to the Illinois Central who operated the line until the late 1980's when they began abandoning the line. Eventually the only portion remaining was the part just to the north of this location that serves the paper mill.

HISTORY: In 1857 the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Texas completed its railroad line between Shreveport and the Mississippi River opposite Vicksburg, crossing the Ouachita River near this location. Over the years short spurs were built connecting the railroad to numerous businesses located along the river. In more recent years as the transfer of merchandise between rail and river declined, the businesses closed and the tracks were removed. For some reason this short disconnected section of track survived.

HISTORY: This railroad line was originally built by the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway which later became part of the Missouri Pacific. The turnbridge was built across the Ouachita River to allow river traffic to pass. In the mid 1980's the Union Pacific acquired the Missouri Pacific and the line was abandoned and the rail removed northwest of the bridge. The bridge was left in the open position to allow river traffic to continue.

At this site you will need first need to look at the east rail under the caboose. This rail weighs Jx pounds per yard and was made in the year xxKx. The build date painted on the caboose is C-xxxx. Finally locate the weight of the caboose. It is Lxxxx.