Rare L&N Railroad Photos Showcase Louisville's Railroading Past

New photo feature dives into the history of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, spotlighting the city's infrastructure and workers.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new River City Retro photo feature in the Courier-Journal dives into the history of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, showcasing archival images that capture workers, trains, and infrastructure that once shaped daily life and travel in and around Louisville. The photos, drawn from the Courier-Journal's archives and the University of Louisville's collections, offer a nostalgic look at how railroads helped define the city's landscape.

Why it matters

Railroads played a crucial role in Louisville's development, serving as a major economic driver and shaping the city's physical and cultural landscape. This photo feature provides a unique glimpse into the city's railroading past, highlighting the importance of the L&N Railroad in Louisville's history.

The details

The photo feature includes images of L&N Railroad trains, workers, and buildings, including Louisville underpasses, repair shops, Union Station dispatchers, and the railroad's Broadway headquarters. The archival images, sourced from the Courier-Journal's archives and the University of Louisville's collections, offer a detailed look at the infrastructure and daily operations of the L&N Railroad, which was once a dominant force in Louisville's transportation and commerce.

  • The new River City Retro photo feature was published on February 15, 2026.

The players

Courier-Journal

A local newspaper that has been covering Louisville news and history for decades.

University of Louisville

A public research university located in Louisville, Kentucky, which houses a collection of historical photographs and documents related to the city's railroading past.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This photo feature provides a unique and nostalgic look at Louisville's railroading history, highlighting the important role the L&N Railroad played in shaping the city's development and daily life. The archival images offer a glimpse into a bygone era, reminding readers of the lasting impact of transportation infrastructure on a community.