The idea of a railway connecting Cincinnati to the South began as early as 1835, but it faced years of setbacks. Financial crashes, the Civil War, and constitutional roadblocks delayed progress. Yet, the vision persisted, driven by the need to link southern resources to Cincinnati’s growing industrial economy.
In 1869, Edward A. Ferguson proposed a bold solution: if private companies couldn’t build the railway, Cincinnati should own and build it itself. This “remarkable proposition” overcame constitutional barriers and inspired overwhelming public support. On June 26, 1869, citizens celebrated their vote with parades, music, and church bells ringing across the city.
After years of planning and construction, the first freight train completed the 337-mile journey to Chattanooga on February 21, 1880, followed by the first passenger train on March 8, 1880. The completion was marked by a grand banquet at Music Hall, attended by southern dignitaries, symbolizing the monumental achievement.
The Cincinnati Southern Railway wasn’t just a transportation line—it was a lifeline connecting communities, resources, and industries. Today, its legacy continues as the proceeds from the rail’s investment fuel growth and improvements across the city.
