Mississippian Railway: Born In The Lumber Industry

Published: August 8, 2024

The Mississippian Railway, a storied short line, serves as a testament to the broader history of rail transport in the United States, particularly in the Southern region.

Its journey, which spans more than a century, is one of adaptation, resilience, and community impact. The railroad was established in 1923, primarily to transport lumber products from Fulton to the interchange with the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway ("Frisco") in Amory.

This purpose provided critical support for the regional wood industry, facilitating efficient transportation of timber to broader markets. This article delves into the history of the Mississippian Railway, from its early beginnings to its present-day operations.

Mississippian Railway 2-8-0 #77 at Fulton, Mississippi, circa 1965. This little short line, dating back to 1923, is still in service today, operating 24 miles from Amory to Fulton, via Smithville. The road gave up steam a few years after this photo was taken but #77 (built as Jonesboro, Lake City & Eastern #41 in 1920 by Baldwin) still survives at the Alberta Prairie Railway. Fred Byerly photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Beginnings: The Early 20th Century

The Mississippian Railway (MSRW) has its roots in the early 20th century, a period when railroads were the backbone of American transportation and commerce. Originally chartered in 1923 the railroad was constructed to serve the lumber industry in Northern Mississippi.

Construction and Early Operations

The primary impetus for the Mississippian Railway's creation was the abundant timber resources in the region. The railway was conceived as a means to transport logs and finished lumber from the rich forests surrounding the towns of Amory and Fulton, Mississippi, to major markets.

Construction began in earnest, and by 1923, the line was operational, connecting the town of Fulton to the mainline of the Frisco in Amory.

Followin its completion, the Mississippian became a crucial conduit for the regional timber industry. The rail line facilitated the efficient movement of lumber, driving economic growth and employment in the region.

Great Depression and World War II

The Great Depression of the 1930s presented significant challenges for railroads across the United States, and the Mississippian Railway was no exception.

The economic downturn led to decreased demand for lumber and other goods, resulting in reduced freight traffic and revenue. Despite these difficulties, the railway managed to maintain operations, albeit on a reduced scale.

World War II brought a reversal of fortunes for many American railroads, including the Mississippian. In 1944 the construction of a bentonite plant in Smithville, spurred by the discovery of substantial bentonite deposits in the area, led to a significant increase in traffic.

This development led to a surge in business and earned the railway its nickname, "The Bentonite Road."

Post-War Expansion and Changes

The post-war era brought both opportunities and challenges for the railroad. The economic boom of the 1950s and 1960s saw increased industrial activity and freight movement, benefiting the railway.

By 1968, the bentonite deposits had been depleted, resulting in the plant's closure. Fortunately, several industries had established a presence in Fulton, continuing to generate traffic for the railway.

Decline and Adaptation

Despite the post-war boom, the latter half of the 20th century presented significant challenges for the Mississippian Railway. The increasing dominance of the trucking industry and the decline of the American timber industry led to reduced rail traffic. As a result, the railway faced financial difficulties and fluctuating fortunes.

The late 1970s presented a formidable challenge when the construction of the Tennessee–Tombigbee Waterway threatened to flood approximately 9 miles of track.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initially deemed it more cost-effective to abandon the line than to relocate it. In response, local business owners and public officials, in collaboration with the Appalachian Regional Commission, successfully lobbied the Interstate Commerce Commission to delay the sale of the line until funding for its purchase could be secured.

In 1986, the Itawamba County Development Council acquired the Mississippian Railway, subsequently transferring ownership to the Mississippian Railway Cooperative. This entity directly represented the industries that relied on the railway for product transport.

County leaders then raised several million dollars to upgrade the severely degraded track, restoring it to a condition capable of providing reliable service.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the railway underwent a series of ownership changes. During this period, efforts were made to diversify the railway’s operations and capture new business opportunities. The railway experimented with hauling different types of freight, ranging from agricultural products to chemicals, in a bid to stay afloat.

Expansion and Sustainable Practices

In recent years, the Mississippian has looked to expand its operations beyond traditional freight services. The railway has explored opportunities in intermodal transport, transloading facilities, and logistics services. These diversified offerings aim to provide comprehensive supply chain solutions to customers, thereby expanding the railway’s business reach.

Today

By 2016, operational responsibilities and asset ownership were transferred to the Itawamba County Railroad Authority. This transition ensured continued oversight and management by an entity deeply connected to the community's economic interests.

Today, the Mississippian Railway operates three days a week, hauling between 100 and 120 cars monthly. This consistent service underscores the railway's enduring importance to the regional economy and its ability to adapt to evolving transportation needs over nearly a century of operation.

All-Time Roster

Road Number	Model/Wheel Arrangement	Builder	Serial Number	Completion Date	Notes
76	2-8-0	Baldwin	54265	12/1920	Built as Jonesboro Lake City & Eastern #40. Later became Frisco #76.
77	2-8-0	Baldwin	54266	1/1921	Built as Jonesboro Lake City & Eastern #41. Later became Frisco #77.
102	GP7R	EMD	16867	7/1952	Built as C&NW GP7 #1598. Rebuilt as C&NW GP7R #4293. Became GMRX #4293, tghen South Orient Rail Line #102.
314	S1	Alco	75355	9/1947	Built as Erie #314.
321	S1	Alco	77080	4/1950	Built as Erie #321.

Conclusion

The history of the Mississippian Railway is a rich tapestry that reflects broader themes in American transportation history. From its origins serving the lumber industry in the early 20th century to its current role as a modern-day short line the company showcases the resilience and adaptability of rail transport in the United States.

Throughout its journey, the railroad has navigated economic fluctuations, industry changes, and competitive pressures. Its ability to innovate, forge strong community partnerships, and diversify its service offerings has sustained its relevance and vitality.

As the Mississippian Railway continues its journey into the 21st century, it stands as a symbol of regional pride and economic endurance, carrying forward the legacy of American railroads into a promising future.