Smithsville, Indiana

November 2006

M.P. 228.2 - 5nd Subdivision -

Originally part of the New Albany and Salem's mainline, the route through Smithsville was one of the most rugged and difficult portions. With grades in excess of 2% and prone to washouts. The best locomotive, at the time, could only handle 15 loaded cars over this part of the mainline. In January 1898 the CI&L chartered a new railroad, called the Indiana Stone Railroad. It was built to tap the limestone resources of the area. With grades of .57%, immediately the Indiana Stone Railroad became the CI&L's mainline and the old line through Smithsville became a double-ended branch. The line was abandoned in the winter of 1939-1940 after a major washout occurred.

Left: The depot at Smithsville, date unknown. Right: Monon passenger train at Smithsville, circa 1916. At one time five passenger trains ran on the Smithsville line. The Depression all but killed that traffic and by 1935 all passenger service was discontinued.

Smithsville, circa 1976. Not much evidence remained of the old right of way.

Smithsville Line 2005

These photos, courtesy of Pete Pedigo were taken March 19, 2005 while on an expedition along the old Smithsville Line right of way.

Former Smithsville Line 2005. Left: Little Clear Creek. Looking at the south abutment on the former right of way. Right: The north bridge abutment. This location is about one and a half miles north of the former Harrodsburg depot location.

Left:Pictured is a 150 year old stacked stone drainage structure. The former line is on top of the culvert. Right: Looking along the former right of way. Some railroad ties still survive in the mud of a landslide.

Left: Another shot of the former right of way. Right: Looking at the former right of way. Evidence of an old landslide are to the right.

Chiseled in this boulder are the initials E.H. and the date 9.15.07.

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