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Kentucky and Tennessee Railroad: The Classic K&T

Published: July 28, 2024

By: Adam Burns

The Kentucky and Tennessee Railroad (K&T) was established in the early 1900s as a crucial infrastructure component for the burgeoning coal industry in the Appalachian region.

Initially constructed by the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company, the railroad was designed to transport coal, timber, and other resources from the dense forests and rich coal seams of southern Kentucky to broader markets.

The K&T's tracks stretched from Stearns, Kentucky, to various mining communities and timber areas, including Barthell, Blue Heron, and Cooperative. These areas were largely inaccessible before the railroad, and the K&T played a pivotal role in the economic development of the region, facilitating the movement of raw materials and finished products.

During its peak, the K&T operated primarily 2-8-2s during the steam era and secondhand Alco S2s in the diesel era. The railroad was known for its challenging routes, which included steep grades and tight curves, reflective of the rugged Appalachian terrain it traversed.

By the mid-20th century, the decline of the coal industry and the rise of road transport led to a reduction in the railroad's operations. Portions of the K&T were abandoned, while others were maintained for tourist excursions.

Today, parts of the Kentucky and Tennessee are preserved by the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's industrial past and the vital role the railroad played in its development.

Kentucky & Tennessee 2-8-2 #11 at Stearns, Kentucky, circa 1960 (one of four Mikados the coal hauler owned). Fred Byerly photo. American-Rails.com collection.

History

The Kentucky & Tennessee Railroad (K&T) was established in 1902 to serve the extensive timber and coal reserves owned by the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company.

Initially, it operated as a short spur off the mainline of the Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway (Southern Railway).

After reorganizing as the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway in 1904, the line extended along the South Fork of the Cumberland River to tap into the rich coal and timber resources of its parent company. This included the construction of the iconic concrete arch bridge at Yamacraw.

Aspirations to extend the line further south into Knoxville, Tennessee were never realized. Nevertheless, by 1923, the K&T mainline reached as far as Bell Farm, KY, where it connected with a 25-mile logging railroad also owned by Stearns Coal and Lumber.

Timber was transported 21 miles to the railway’s origin and sawmill at Stearns, KY. The last major expansion came in 1938 with the addition of a mile-long spur from Comargo to the modern coal operation at Devils Jump (Blue Heron).

K&T's operations primarily consisted of hauling timber to the sawmill and coal from various mines back to Stearns for interchange with the Southern Railway. The railroad also provided modest passenger services between Bell Farm and Stearns.

At its peak, K&T transported approximately 1,000 passengers and 3,500 tons of coal daily. However, coal operations at Exodus and Fidelity dwindled in the 1930s, and the timber connection at Bell Farm was the only remaining lifeline until the logging railroad's closure in 1948, leading to the abandonment of the line between White Oak Junction and Bell Farm in 1949.

In 1950, the large mine at Cooperative closed, and by 1953, the line was cut back to Oz. Meanwhile, passenger services were systematically reduced post-mine closures, with the last segment running between Stearns and Worley concluding in 1952. Tipples at Yamacraw and Worley closed in 1953, leaving only the mine at Blue Heron and Mine 16 at Oz operational.

Later Years

For the next decade, operations at the Kentucky & Tennessee remained consistent, continually drawing more visitors eager to witness the eclectic steam locomotive fleet. The K&T became a notable attraction, even operating fan trips for the National Railway Historical Society (NHRS) along its picturesque "route of the painted rocks," featuring its now-rare steam engines.

In 1963, the K&T transitioned to diesel power by purchasing three used Alco S2 locomotives from the Denver & Rio Grande Western. This was followed by acquiring two additional S2s for spare parts, one of which, K&T 104, was restored to service. The last steam locomotives, K&T #10 and #12, were retired in February, 1964.

The early 1960s saw the closure of Blue Heron, followed by the shutdown of Mine 16 at Oz in 1966, leaving only a few truck-dump operations active. However, in 1967, the Justus Mine at Barthell commenced operations, flood-loading approximately 30 Southern "Big Red" 100-ton hoppers daily.

Trains typically included three S2s and about 15 cars, though each S2 was only rated for three 100-ton hoppers on the 3.5% grade to Stearns from Barthell. This led to a typical loaded train configuration of three diesels and nine hoppers, as the K&T never used cabooses.

Justus Mine closed in 1987, but the K&T's legacy persists. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway now operates tourist trains between Stearns and Blue Heron, continuing switching operations at Stearns. 

Steam Roster

Diesel Roster

Big South Fork Scenic Railway

The Big South Fork Scenic Railway offers a captivating journey through Kentucky's historic Stearns and Blue Heron mining regions, blending scenic beauty with rich heritage. The picturesque line travels along the banks of the Cumberland River, providing a glimpse into the area's coal mining history.

Passengers embark from Stearns, a town with deep roots in the timber and coal industries, aboard vintage railcars pulled by Alco S2s, including one of the original K&T units.

The journey to Blue Heron (also known as Mine 18) is a highlight, featuring a restored coal tipple, mining museum, and an interpretive center that vividly portray the life and work of miners.

The 16-mile round-trip ride treats passengers to stunning landscapes, historic narratives, and interactive experiences, making it a favorite among history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. The railway also offers themed excursions, such as seasonal holiday rides and special events, enhancing the visitor experience.

Future plans for the Big South Fork Scenic Railway include the potential expansion of the line back across the Cumberland River via the iconic Yamacraw Bridge.

While primarily focused on tourism, the railway ensures the preservation and celebration of the region's unique industrial heritage, making it a compelling attraction in the heart of Kentucky.