Railroad Depots of Southern Indiana

Did you know that Greene County in Indiana has one of the longest land-crossing railroad trestles in the Midwest?  Indiana’s first railroad, built in Shelbyville, was only a mile long, but in 1847, completion of a major steam road from Madison to Indianapolis made the state’s capital a center of transportation.  Unlike canals, railroads could be built just about anywhere.  Southern Indiana’s quickly growing network of rail lines was able to haul tons of goods at low cost, and enabled settlers to travel great distances in a single day.  This book takes the reader on a journey through the towns and cities that shape Indiana’s railroad lore.  Through more than 200 vintage photographs, author David E. Longest documents locomotives, rail equipment, the moving of stock, depots, rail stations, and freight houses, and finishes with a tour of the rail museums and excursions that still allow tourists to “ride the rails.”

Author Bio: David E. Longest is a retired public school teacher and long-time railroad enthusiast. A member of the Monon Railroad Historical-Technical Society and the Floyd County Historical Society, he writes for The Hoosier Line and lives in New Albany.

Be aware that the accuracy of some of Arcadia’s home-spun histories is sometimes questionable. Hence, your NYCSHS directors would be interested in reviews by knowledgeable members. Published by Arcadia Publishing, this softcover retails for $22, with NYCSHS members paying only $17.60. Shipping is extra and Ohio residents must add 8% Ohio sales tax.