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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Raymond in Hinds County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
 

The Little J Railroad

 
 
The Little J Railroad Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Duane Hall, June 5, 2015
1. The Little J Railroad Marker
Inscription. Two historic transportation routes are incorporated into this walking trail.

The concrete highway, ca. 1927, is generally the same route used by the Union army marching toward Raymond in May 1863. The bridge and highway, however, are more elevated and possibly a few feet to the west of the earlier roadway.

Another portion of the trail is the abandoned roadbed of the “Little J” railroad. Completed in 1882 between Natchez and Jackson, the Natchez, Jackson and Columbus Railroad invigorated small towns and created new ones along its route. As was typical of successful railroads of the day, it was purchased in 1890 by a larger railroad company, the Louisville, New Orleans and Texas Railroad, which was purchased in 1892 by the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad, a subsidiary of the Illinois Central Railroad. It was always known locally, however, as the “Little J” because it was the only narrow-gauge (“little”) railroad that entered Jackson (“J”) when it was built.

(Upper Left Photo Caption)
A scene at the railroad station in Natchez in the early twentieth century.

(Lower Left Photo Caption)
As railroad construction increased, some routes or sections of routes were abandoned and others merged. This dramatic railroad cut through
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the Loess bluffs near Natchez would eventually be the route of the “Little J” into town.

(Center Right Photo Caption)
William T. Martin of Natchez, a former Confederate General, spearheaded the movement to building the Natchez, Jackson and Columbus Railroad.

(Right Photo Caption)
This locomotive, now in the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, is the only survivor of the first railroad built to connect the river port at Natchez with the interior of the state. Known as the Natchez & Hamburg Railroad, it operated from 1837 to 1844.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & StreetcarsRoads & VehiclesWar, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1863.
 
Location. 32° 14.668′ N, 90° 26.61′ W. Marker is in Raymond, Mississippi, in Hinds County. Marker can be reached from Port Gibson Street, 0.1 miles north of Mississippi Highway 18, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located at the Raymond Military Park on an exhibit kiosk at the beginning of the walking trail; the above directions are to the parking area for the park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Raymond MS 39154, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Vicksburg Campaign (here, next to this marker); The Battle of Raymond as a Pivotal Point in the Vicksburg Campaign
Natchez Railroad Station in the Early 20th Century image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Duane Hall, June 5, 2015
2. Natchez Railroad Station in the Early 20th Century
Close-up of image on marker
(here, next to this marker); Battle of Raymond - This Walking Trail (here, next to this marker); C.S. Gregg's Task Force (within shouting distance of this marker); The Campaign Turns East (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Commanders (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Route to Raymond (within shouting distance of this marker); Gregg's Battle Plan (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Raymond.
 
Railroad Cut Through the Loess Bluffs image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Duane Hall, June 5, 2015
3. Railroad Cut Through the Loess Bluffs
Close-up of image on marker
Route of the Little J Railroad image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Duane Hall, June 5, 2015
4. Route of the Little J Railroad
Close-up of map on marker
Walking Trail Exhibit Kiosk image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Duane Hall, June 5, 2015
5. Walking Trail Exhibit Kiosk
Exhibit includes markers for the Walking Trail,
the Battle of Raymond, the Vicksburg Campaign,
and the Little J Railroad
Battle of Raymond Battlefield image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Duane Hall, June 5, 2015
6. Battle of Raymond Battlefield
View to southwest towards Fourteenmile Creek
and west section of battlefield
Parking Area for Raymond Military Park image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Duane Hall, June 5, 2015
7. Parking Area for Raymond Military Park
Marker and exhibit kiosk on right side next to walking trail
1927 Concrete Highway Heading into Raymond image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Duane Hall, June 5, 2015
8. 1927 Concrete Highway Heading into Raymond
Roadbed of the Little J Railroad image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Duane Hall, June 5, 2015
9. Roadbed of the Little J Railroad
Now used as part of the
Raymond Military Park walking trail
Abandoned Trestle of the Little J Railroad image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Duane Hall, June 5, 2015
10. Abandoned Trestle of the Little J Railroad
Near the northwest corner of the
Raymond Military Park walking trail
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 695 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on July 4, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.

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Mar. 19, 2024