Opelousas in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Mary Jane Steam Engine Train
circa 1904
Built by Davenport, Iowa Ironworks Company, the Mary Jane Steam Engine was a wood-burner and, at its best speed, traveled 25 miles per hour. Records indicate the train was used for at least 50 years before it was retired. In 1959, civic organizers in Opelousas purchased the Mary Jane making it into an industrial monument and relocated it to the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square. The monument was dedicated to the men and women of the past who helped link Opelousas with the rest of the United States through the railroad system. The Kiwanis Club of Opelousas funded the 1990 move of the steam engine and its restoration after its arrival at Le Vieux Village.
Erected by City of Opelousas, Louisiana.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 30° 31.877′ N, 92° 4.483′ W. Marker is in Opelousas, Louisiana, in St. Landry Parish. Marker can be reached from East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Campus Street, on the left when traveling west. Located in le Vieux Village. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 828 East Landry Street, Opelousas LA 70570, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Whiteville School House (a few steps from this marker); St. Joseph Methodist Church for Colored People (within shouting distance of this marker); Louisiana Orphan Train Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Pacific Freight Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); The Macland Plantation Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Jarrell Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Opelousas Colored School (within shouting distance of this marker); Emar Andrepont Store (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Opelousas.
More about this marker. The City of Opelousas Tourist Information is located on the grounds of Le Vieux Village Historical Park & Heritage Museum at the eastern entrance of Opelousas along U.S. Highway 190.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2017, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 425 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 27, 2017.