1897 Hope for a Railroad Through Farmerville & Union Parish Submitted for the Union Parish Louisiana USGenWeb Archives by T. D. Hudson, 12/2004 updated 12/2006 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ ================================================================================== ================================================================================== 1897 Hope for a Railroad Through Farmerville & Union Parish ================================================================================== ================================================================================== ================================================================================== ================================================================================== From the Farmerville "Gazette"; issue of Wednesday, 13 October 1897, page 3, column 3 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== A Proposition Wanted. ----------- Col. C. C. Henderson, general manager of the Alexandria, Junctiton City & Shreveport railway company, stated to the writer last week that he had written a letter, similar to that sent to Mr. Smith of our town, mention of which was made in our last issue, to Minden, Arcadia, Ruston and other points which were bidding for his road, asking the towns along the various projected routes what inducements in the way of taxes and donations they would offer to get the road. Col. Henderson told us that he expected replies to those letters within the next two weeks, after which the railroad directors soon would meet and definitely decide upon the route their road would take. In short, the managers of this new road intend to construct their line over the route which offers the greatest advantages; where the road can be built at the least net cost to the company and operated at the best profits. Other points are exerting every effort to get this road. Farmerville and Union parish need it worse than any other section, and our people cannot afford to remain inactive regarding the matter. The railroad committee doubtless have a pretty correct idea of what can be done as an inducement to draw the road through this parish, and they should make the best offer within their reach; and should do it without delay. ================================================================================== ================================================================================== From the Farmerville "Gazette"; issue of Wednesday, 24 November 1897 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== More Railroad Talk. As previously stated in our columns Farmerville is almost on the direct route of the proposed Springfield, Little Rock and Gulf railroad, and we believe that by making a strong and united effort we can get this great trunk line. The following extract from a letter received by Mr. J. M. Smith from Jno. C. Norman of New London, Ark., dated Nov. 17, will lend encouragement to that hope. Mr. Norman writes: "I am working in the interest of the Springfield, Little Rock & Gulf railway, and shall be under obligations if you will keep me posted as to any railway movements in Northern Louisiana, regarding this line. It will in all probability pass through your town. The company shall want the five parishes through which they pass to Alexandria, to vote them the aid they have indicated. When can this be accomplished in your parish?" ###############################################################################