A SHORT HISTORY OF THE RAILROAD
THAT BECAME THE
KOSCIUSKO & SOUTHWESTERN RAILWAY

1852 In 1852 the Canton, Kosciusko, Aberdeen and Tuscumbia Railroad was chartered to build a railroad through its namesake cities. Work on grading the roadbed was commenced however work was slow and no rail had been laid by the beginning of the War Between the States. The charter states that the railroad may transfer its rights to the New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroad. This right is apparently exercised prior to construction starting as deeds along the right of way are granted to the New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroad.

1858 The New Orleans, Jackson, and Great Northern Railroad is completed between New Orleans, Louisiana and Canton, Mississippi.

1860 The Mississippi Central Railroad is completed between Canton, Mississippi and Fulton, Kentucky via Grenada and Water Valley, Mississippi.

1873 The Canton, Kosciusko, Aberdeen and Tuscumbia Railroad is reorganized as the New Orleans, St. Louis & Chicago Railroad. The route from Kosciusko to Canton is abandoned and new route from Kosciusko to Kosciusko Junction (south of Durant) is chosen.

1874 On June 2, 1874 the first train arrives at Kosciusko.

1875 The Mississippi Central Railroad and New Orleans, Jackson, and Great Northern Railroad are forced into receivership. Illinois Central Railroad as principal bondholder takes control of both and reorganizes them into the Chicago, St. Louis, and New Orleans Railroad.

1878 Illinois Central Railroad gains full control of the Chicago, St. Louis, and New Orleans Railroad.

1882 Illinois Central Railroad, forms the Canton, Aberdeen & Nashville to extend the railroad from Kosciusko to Aberdeen.

1888 The railroad is completed between Durant and Aberdeen, Mississippi. Kosciusko Junction is renamed Aberdeen Junction.

1916 A railroad operating as the Kosciusko and Southeastern Railroad builds a short line from Kosciusko to Zama, Mississippi. After a few years of operation the line is closed and removed.

1981 The Illinois Central Railroad abandons the line between mile post 21.6 and 47.5 (Kosciusko and Ackerman). Right of way is sold to individuals and the track removed.

1985 The line between Ackerman and Aberdeen is sold to Mid-South Railroad and later to Kansas City Southern.

1986 The depot at Kosciusko is given to the city and burned as a training exercise by the fire department.

1997 The Illinois Central Railroad abandons the south end of line and sells it to State of Mississippi.

1998 Mississippi Rail Group, Inc. leases the railroad from the State of Mississippi and operates it as the Kosciusko and Southwestern Railway. Operations begin with excursion service on motorcars.

2001 The Kosciusko & Southwestern Railway resumed freight service.

January 29, 2001