GC31F07 L&N Railroad (Traditional Cache) in Kentucky, United States created by Mooseky

GC31F07 ▼

A cache by Mooseky Message this owner

Hidden : 8/15/2011

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

The Louisville and Nashville Railroad was founded in 1850. The company’s first train began operations over an 8 mile track in August of 1855. It wasn’t until October of 1859 that the first train traveled the 187 mile route between the railroad's two namesake cities.
During the Civil War at certain periods of time L&N served both the Union and the Confederacy. It did suffer considerable physical damage to its assets during the war but emerged in much better financial condition than its southern competitors. This allowed the railroad to undergo rapid expansion during the post war years.
L&N No.20 "Quigley" built in 1859
Before the turn of the century L&N would continue to expand through construction and acquisition of 56 railroads to become one of America’s major railroad systems.
One of the secrets to its success was its strategic move to place track in coal rich areas. Its entry into Birmingham, Alabama and the coal fields of Eastern Kentucky not only resulted in increased revenues from hauling coal to others, but assured an abundant supply of the mineral for its own use. A luxury some of its competitors did not have.	The Kosair Shriner Circus Train visits Louisville in 1920
The rate of expansion slowed down in the early 1900’s although the demand for railway services continued to grow.

L&N No. 295 Pulling the South Wind in 1942	This demand spiked at the start of World War II with a 300% increase in passenger traffic and 80% increase in freight. With few exceptions almost all the troops and equipment to support the war traveled by railroad.
Following the war, cash flush L&N entered into another era of expansion. During this period it upgraded its equipment including switching to faster Diesel Locomotives with streamline passenger coaches.	L&N Louisville Rail Yard - 1963
In 1946 L&N’s signature passenger train the Humming Bird began operations between Cincinnati and New Orleans and was extended to Chicago in 1951. It became very popular because it was fast, and a low cost means of transportation for its day. Timetable records indicate it could travel between Cincinnati and New Orleans in 19 hours averaging 48 miles per hour.
Humming Bird - Biloxi MI. - Circa 1950
By 1971 L&N was operating over 6500 miles of track in 13 states. Later that year Seaboard Coastline Railroad, which owned a 35% stake in L&N, bought the remainder of its outstanding shares. L&N was operated as a subsidiary until December 1982 when it merged into the Seaboard System Railroad. After 132 years under one name L&N was no more. In 1986 the Seaboard System and the Chessie System merged to become the current CSX Railroad.

You are looking for a bison tube hidden behind the old L&N Headquarters building and within a few feet of where L&N's first train station and rail yards were once located. Free street parking is available nearby on Cawthon St. The cache could be done at anytime but recommended during the day. This is a relatively safe area of town to visit during the day but use caution if visiting after dark. Remember to bring a writing instrument to sign the log and please replace cache as found hidden away from inquisitive eyes.