In a railroad sense, what is the signifigance of Covington,Kentucky? I know they have an unpainted bridge, or two. But, I’ve seen lots of older railroad pictures taken there.
Basically, its location across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. If you’re going south from Cincinnati on the L&N, or east from there on the C&O, it’s the first town you hit.
Was/is it a big railroad town for L&N, C&O, or CSX?
all 3 and dont forget the southern(cnotp)
stay safe
Joe
South of Covington is Latonia. Latonia is more a part of Covington than a town itself. Yes, I would say that Covington played a major role in the railroads of the area. CSX and Norfolk Southern rule the roost in the area now.
L&N’s Decoursey Yards were located in Latonia. It was the biggest yard that the L&N had. The majority of the yard is gone now. One part is run by Progress Rail and they also hold the overflow from Queensgate Yards in Cincy.
It is a very busy area with train traffic. Crossing over the C&O bridge into Covington from Cincinnati you have train traffic headed to Ashland KY across old C&O trackage. You will have traffic headed to Louisville KY over the “Shortline” on the old L&N. You also have traffic heading south to Corbin KY on the CC Sub also on L&N line.
There is also an old roundhouse (C&O)that has been converted into a factory (Duro Bag) near 12th and Madison. There was at one time a small yard in that area. It is all gone now.
Norfolk Southern (CNO&TP) crosses the Ohio River west of Covington into Ludlow and makes a long climb out of the Ohio River valley on it’s way to Danville KY.
This is kind of short and sweet info. but I hope it helps a little. I’m sure I missed something or put something wrong somewhere.
Brian (KY)
The L & N line from Cincy actually crossed into Newport via the L & N Bridge,
now the Purple People Bridge,crossed the old C & O at NX Cabin on into Wilder
Then across the Licking River towards Decoursey.(IIRC)
Is that where the Chessie Steam Special 2101 was damaged back in 1979 ?
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=63099
The C&O roundhouse that burned with the 2101 inside was at Stevens Yard, which would have been east of Covington by a few miles.
About 15 miles or so on Ky. Route 8 in Silver Grove,Ky.
For some years,the C & O ran a “short” train from Covington to Stevens
for employees.Generally an ALCO S-2,coach & caboose. I’m not
totally sure of it’s real name,but the employees I talked to then,
called it the “Chippie”.
Is Covington in or near coal mine country of Kentucky? Is that why it became a rail center? Or it’s proximity to the Ohio river? Maybe a river port town?
Blame Dan’l Boone.
He and Simon Kenton (the Kenton of “Kenton” county) saw strategic value in a geographic feature called “the point” located at the confluance of the Ohio and Licking River, it was their camp and base from which they, and later General George Rogers Clark launched their campaign of hatred in the 1780’s against the natives.
The advantageous position on the river continued to draw settlers as well as commerce turning Covington into a major river port
That, as well as it’s proximity to Cincinnati across the river, were the likely key factors attracting the C&O to construct a bridge .
Location location location!! etc