T.P. Depot, Alexandria, La.

Alexandria Louisiana Railroads

Alexandria, situated in Central Louisiana, has long been a railroad center.

However, by the time I became aware of railroads in the mid-1950s, much history had already past, and my memories are from a short slice of time between 1955 and 1968.

I do recall the thundering noise of the Missouri-Pacific Alco PA "long nose" diesels as they pulled into the station and literally shook the ground.

Our family frequently took rides at night in the summer to escape the heat; one of our standard stops was to see the Southern Belle at the KCS station on Third Street. Seeing the shiny black cars was always a thrill.

We watched it leave the station in reverse, and then move forward over the Third Street overpass and cross the Red River heading north. Often we would then ride over to Pineville and watch the Southern Belle cross the Main Street overpass near Louisiana college as it gained speed for its run to Shreveport, and beyond.

KCS Overpass, Third Street, Alexandria, La.

Alexandria and the railroads had a tight relationship, and the railroads were a large employer, including my grandfather. In the dozen houses on our block, two were railroad employees.

Among the railroads serving Alexandria:

• Texas & Pacific
• Missouri & Pacific
• Kansas City Southern, extending south to New Orleans, and north to Shreveport, Hope Arkansas and Kansas City
• Louisiana & Arkansas
• Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific