Garyville Northern Railroad

Established by the Lyon Cypress Lumber Company, the Garyville Northern Railroad Company was a vital lifeline for the community, facilitating the transport of lumber and serving as a passenger and mail train. This innovative railroad network not only connected Garyville to other nearby towns but also played a crucial role in the economic development of the entire region.

During this period, Garyville was a bustling town due to the Lyon Cypress Lumber Company mill, which provided over 900 jobs and drew families and immigrants to the area, each seeking opportunity and a better life. The influx of workers contributed to a vibrant local culture, with shops, schools, and social gatherings sprouting up throughout the town. The company promoted itself as the largest cypress mill worldwide, boasting advanced techniques in lumber processing and sustainable practices that impressed industry experts.

The mill relied solely on railways to transport its products, ensuring that lumber could be efficiently and rapidly delivered to markets far and wide, thereby solidifying Garyville’s reputation as a significant player in the lumber industry.

By June 30, 1919, the railroad had laid down over 35 miles of track, marking a significant milestone in its development. It established a second connection with the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Railroad (Y&MV) in Livingston, facilitating better transportation and trade routes for surrounding communities. The railroad also connected with the Y&MV and the Louisiana Railway and Navigation Company in Garyville, creating a vital network that enhanced the movement of goods and resources throughout the region.

During this period, the railroad remained under the lumber company’s control but operated separately, earning substantial revenue from the lumber mill, mail services, and regular passenger trains that catered to the needs of the local population. Laborers boarded the train at 6 AM every day (except Sunday) to begin their grueling work day in the woods, where they engaged in the demanding tasks of lumber harvesting and processing. After a long eleven-hour day filled with hard work and dedication, they boarded the train again and returned home to Garyville, reflecting on their day’s efforts and looking forward to the comforts of home.

With the addition of two passenger carriages, the railroad’s equipment was typical of early 20th-century logging railroads. It reflected its role in moving people, freight, mail, and timber. The first two locomotives were leased from the Lyon Cypress Lumber Company. Over the years, the railroad owned or leased fourteen (14) locomotives manufactured by Baldwin, Lima, Porter or other less-known manufacturers. The rail was featured in the

While most of these engines were eventually scrapped, the 1914 Porter (GNR #1) was acquired by the Louisiana Cypress Lumber Company. It was retired in the late 1940s and ultimately placed on display in Ponchatoula, LA.  

Whitehall resident Murphy J. “White Mule” Brown (1922-2016) lived in the community for over 90 years, witnessing the many changes that shaped both the town and the surrounding region. During an interview, he recalled a large river crevasse on the Mississippi River levee system north of Baton Rouge, a vivid memory that still haunted him decades later.

Known today as the Great Flood of 1927, this tragic breach in the levee system allowed muddy water from the swollen Amite River to inundate homes and farmland, resulting in devastating loss and displacement for many families.

During this catastrophic event, as the water rose perilously high, the Garyville Northern provided a critical lifeline for the community, allowing residents to escape the area amidst chaos and uncertainty. The memories of that time, filled with both sorrow and resilience, left an indelible mark on the local history and the collective memory of those who lived through such a trying ordeal.