08-2005

Along The Right Of Way

August 2005

M.P. 261.5 - 5th Subdivision - Ns

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The starting point for the French Lick Branch. Although trains for the French Lick Branch, post war era, originated at Bedford, it was here at Orleans that the French Lick mainline departed from the Fifth Subdivision. After the war, Bloomington served as the point of origin.

Named for Andrew Jackson’s victory in the battle of New Orleans and located in the northern section of the county, Orleans is the oldest town in Orange County. It was established in 1815, the same year in which the county was created. Just two years prior, Orleans claimed another first in being the initial community to build a school. Less than a half-century later, as the transportation needs of Orange County grew, Orleans again claimed a county first. In 1851, the New Albany and Salem Railroad completed the first rail line into the county via Orleans. The tie to Jackson is not the only link between this town and a military history. Orleans produced General William T. Spicely, and his 24th Indiana Regiment, assisted General Uylsses S. Grant in the capture of Vicksburg during the Civil War. Orleans claims the distinction of the “Dogwood Capital of Indiana” and received a significant endorsement for that claim from a former governor. In 1970, Edgar D. Whitcomb penned a resolution declaring from that time on Orleans would be entitled to that claim to fame.

At the north edge of Orleans, on the east side of State Road 37, stands the Freeman’s Corner historical marker. This point, 250 feet east, signifies the junction of three important Indian land cessions: the Treaty of Fort Wayne (1803): the Treaty of Grouseland (1805): and the Treaty of Fort Wayne (1809). The point was established by surveyor Thomas Freeman and the marker was placed in 1966, during Indiana’s 150th year celebration. The centerpiece of Orleans is its downtown Congress Square. This grassy park was on the original town plat, drawn in March of 1815. Set aside for whatever the territorial government, or town might deemed as right or needed, except a burial ground.

-Courtesy Orange County, Indiana Website-

Left: Orleans Depot. This depot was one of the last New Albany & Salem Railroad's brick depots. As the junction point with the French Lick branch, it was an important transfer point when passenger traffic was heavy on the Monon. Right: Southbound freight coming around the curve towards the Orleans depot, May 1971.

Left and Right: Two more views of the Orleans depot, circa 1970.

Orleans, circa 1979. Left: Looking at the mainline. Redi-Mix plant in the background. Right: The depot had been torn down by the time this photo was taken in 1979.

Left: Orleans 1970. Looking south down the French Lick branch. The switch in the foreground is the south switch of the wye.Monon at where the French Lick Branch trackage begins. Trains originated in (pre war era) Bedford and (post war era) Bloomington, however it was at Orleans where they left the mainline.

Left and Right: May 2004. The Orleans depot is gone. Looking to the south at the spot where the depot once stood. The picture on the right would be approximately the same area where Lloyd Kimble took his photo (above) from.

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