Exploring the Red River and Gulf Railroad in Long Leaf, Louisiana - A Rainy Afternoon Adventure | Southern Forrest Heritage Museum
Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey
Yesterday, I took advantage of a free afternoon to explore the grounds of the Southern Forrest Heritage Museum in Long Leaf, Louisiana. The museum is located on the site of the former Long Leaf Sawmill Complex, which was once one of hundreds of mill complexes in the region. While the mill itself is fascinating to explore, on this rainy day I decided to spend my time walking around the old facilities of the Red River and Gulf Railroad.
In its heyday, this railroad transported lumber from nearby logging camps, as well as goods and passengers to and from the nearby town of Lecompte, where it connected with the Rock Island and Texas & Pacific railroads. However, the Red River and Gulf ceased operations in the early 1950s, and its facilities and equipment sat abandoned for decades before the museum was established.
Today, a dedicated group of volunteers works to restore the railroad's tracks, locomotives, and rolling stock to their former glory. As a self-proclaimed "railroad nut," this is one of my favorite places in Louisiana. Spending a quiet, rainy afternoon surrounded by these historic machines is a magical experience, allowing me to imagine what the site was like when the railroad and adjacent mill were in full operation so many years ago. Rainy days here are truly special, providing a peaceful opportunity to reflect on our past.
My absolute favorite piece of equipment left over from the mill's heyday is the former Crowell & Spencer Lumber Company 4-6-0 Steam Locomotive #400. This old logging locomotive has sat on the edge of the woods just beyond the old engine house for decades, and I've been captivated by it ever since I first laid eyes on it six years ago.
It's always been heartbreaking to see such a grand machine deteriorating out in the elements like this. However, the contrast of the locomotive against the woods and nearby old tracks makes for a fantastic photographic subject. The locomotive is a true sight to behold.
I was pleased to learn last night from Everett Lueck of the Southern Forrest Heritage Museum that tracks have recently been installed behind #400. This will allow the museum to move the locomotive from its exposed outdoor location and place it under protective cover. Everett had previously mentioned the museum's plans to restore the locomotive, and it seems those plans are now being put into action.
I'm thrilled that this magnificent piece of history will finally receive the care and preservation it deserves. As an avid admirer, I look forward to seeing the restored #400 locomotive in the future.
In the back corner of the former Red River and Gulf Railroad machine shop, the Southern Forrest Heritage Museum's 2-6-0 locomotive #202 sits hidden. This locomotive, like its counterpart #400, had spent decades stationed outside the old engine house before the museum staff relocated it to this spot. Locomotive #202 is also slated to undergo restoration, potentially returning it to working order.
The Southern Forest Heritage Museum's crown jewel is the former Red River and Gulf 4-6-0 steam locomotive #106. This locomotive holds the distinction of being the last one to operate on the Red River and Gulf line, pulling the final mixed freight train from nearby Lecompte in May 1954.
According to local railroad historians, #106 was backed into the Car Knocker Shed during a heavy thunderstorm after that last run. Fortuitously, this decision to park the locomotive there ended up preserving it in excellent condition. Years later, when a hurricane caused the shed to collapse around the locomotive, the fallen structure shielded #106 from Louisiana's harsh elements ever since.
Today, #106 stands as the best preserved steam locomotive in the state. The museum is meticulously restoring the locomotive to its original appearance and eventually back to working order. The staff is confident that one day, this historic engine will once again operate under its own power.
Over the past couple of years, a dedicated group of volunteers has spent many weekends restoring and rebuilding the old train tracks just beyond the Red River and Gulf engine facilities. These tracks used to be the railroad's main line, running all the way to the town of Lecompte northeast of this location in Long Leaf. Thanks to the volunteers' hard work, the tracks now look brand new and ready for trains to operate on them. However, there are still numerous sections that need to be cleared and restored.
The Southern Forrest Heritage Museum offers much more than just the old Red River and Gulf Railroad. In addition to a top-notch World War 2 memorabilia museum from the nearby former Camp Claiborne, there is also an impressive collection of artifacts from the local logging industry. Visitors can explore the preserved buildings of the former town of Long Leaf, as well as the remains of the mill complex itself. With so many fascinating areas to discover, I recommend dedicating an entire day to fully experience all that the museum has to offer.
77 Longleaf Rd, Longleaf, LA 71448
On this rainy afternoon, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the remnants of the once-thriving Red River and Gulf Railroad at the Southern Forrest Heritage Museum. I've included some photos I took during my visit.
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