Although I am a lifelong resident of Shreveport-Bossier, I had no idea of the rich railroad history in this area. Little did I know that The Shreveport Railroad Museum was located inside the Shreveport Waterworks Museum and there a wealth of history opened up that I didn’t know existed.
From Kansas City Southern to Union Pacific, Shreveport has a rich railroad history that almost certainly includes a generation in your family if you are from this area. “Most people would be surprised to know that the railroad industry has existed in the area since the 1860’s and that more than 20 passenger trains passed through one of the three active train stations on any given day” says Shreveport Railroad Museum Curator Dave Bland. I had not known that nor did I know the other jewels of knowledge he was handing over like there being three passenger railroad stations in use in Shreveport at the same time.
The railroad industry is still present in Shreveport-Bossier with the Kansas City Southern and Union Pacific lines alive and well. The Shreveport Railroad Museum is the perfect place to embrace this and appreciate the longevity the railroad industry has had in this area. On display are the maps of routes, artifacts, authentic documents, historic photos and even an actual operating model railroad.The museum is located at 142 N. Common St between Caddo and North Market St and is open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information contact Dave Bland at (318) 221-3388
