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Local group celebrates 160 year anniversary of first L&N train to Nashville

The celebration of the inauguration and completion of the L&N rail route in 1859 was held at Union Station

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The first L&N train to Nashville was in 1859 after the completion of the Louisville and Nashville railroad.

In honor of 160 years since that first train, the "L&N Historical Society" held a presentation at Union Station commemorating the anniversary.

"It's important to remember the L&N for the many contributions they made to this community, L&N was one of the city's largest employers, trains were very much a part of this city, passenger trains were a part of this city," John Owen of the Portland neighborhood said. 

According to the L&N Historical Society website, "On October 27, 1859, the first train operated all the way from Louisville to Nashville, joining the two namesake cities. For all practical purposes, the 187-mile railroad was complete. Scheduled trains began running a few days later, and with the exception of war, fire and several floods, they have been running ever since. The total cost of this original construction was $7,221,204.91."

The last L&N passenger train in Louisville was in 1979.

To learn more about the history of L&N, visit their website here.

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