Hello, I joined the site to research RR history in NW Arkansas and to learn more the role of rail in developing the region. A few months ago I was chatting with my father about building a model RR and finally getting his model trains out of the box after 40 years, and I happened upon an article about the various rail lines that were established in and around Fayetteville at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. Now I'm hooked. I look forward to perusing. Chris
Welcome, Christopher! The railroads of NW AR during the TOC19 era (Turn of the 19th Century) are a fascinating study. I've been interested in them since I discovered steam back in 1976. That interest went into high gear with my involvement with the ES&NA RR along with living in Huntsville from mid-1986 to May of 1990 and I've enjoyed researching and finding/hiking roadbeds ever since. There are still evidences of old abandoned roadbeds to be found throughout the Ozarks IF you know where to look. You are going to enjoy your historical journey! Andre
Thanks Andre. I grew up just west of Fayetteville, and as a kid "accidentally" found remnants of the Ozark and Cherokee Central on numerous occasions. Now i'll be doing it with a bit more focus. The ES&NA RR is great, are you still involved?
No, I haven't worked there there since the late 1980s. The rest of my railroading was on diesel powered railroads. I retired last April, so that's it for my railroading. My fondest railroading memories come from my years at the ES&NA. Loved running those steam engines. I was fortunate in that my years at the ES&NA were during its "glory years" and it was in tip top shape and kept that way. The Eureka Springs tourist trade and the ES&N ridership back then was amazing. I think I recall something like 60,000 riders per season during my years there. The grounds were kept spotless, and along with morning servicing, we wiped the engines daily, touching up the trim as needed! I have hours of the ES&NA on VHS tapes from "back then"... but I have no way to convert them to DVD/digital. Andre
From one Christopher to another: welcome. There is, without a doubt, a lot to peruse here. Best Regards,
