Memphis & Charleston Railroad

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Memphis & Charleston Railroad

The Memphis and Charleston (M&C) Railroad was a historic Southern railway completed in 1857, making it the first to link the Mississippi River with the Atlantic coast. Chartered in 1846, the 311-mile-long line ran from Memphis, Tennessee, through parts of Mississippi and Alabama, and connected with other railroads to reach Charleston, South Carolina. This east-west route revolutionized trade and travel by offering a direct, all-rail option for the transportation of goods and passengers, which significantly boosted Memphis’s growth.

During the Civil War, the M&C’s strategic location made it a key objective for both Union and Confederate forces. Its control was crucial for moving troops and supplies, leading to frequent sabotage and heavy fighting along the tracks. Union troops ultimately captured important sections of the line, severing a vital Confederate supply artery. After the war, the heavily damaged railroad was rebuilt, but financial difficulties persisted.

In 1894, the M&C, like many other struggling southern railroads, was acquired by J.P. Morgan and became a foundational part of the Southern Railway system. The original route would eventually be integrated into the modern Norfolk Southern Railway, continuing to serve as an important freight corridor.

M&C Stats

  • Founded/Chartered: 1846 Operated: 1857-1894
  • Abbreviation: M&C
  • Initial Route: Memphis TN to Stevenson AL Gauge: 5′, then 4’8.5″
  • Initial Length: 311 Miles Final Length: 311 Miles
  • Related Railroads: Tuscumbia, Courtland, and Decatur Railroad. M&C used the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad to reach Chattanooga TN, connecting at Stevenson AL
  • Headquarters: Memphis TN
  • Cities: Memphis TN, Corinth MS, Decatur AL, Huntsville AL
  • Key Individuals: Samuel Tate
  • Today: Southern Railway, Norfolk Southern Railway

Memphis & Charleston Map

Memphis & Charleston Railroad Historical Society: Click here for FB Group Page.

Memphis & Charleston Railroad Map

Memphis & Charleston: The Chickasaw Route

Memphis & Charleston Railroad Historical Society: Click here for FB Group Page.

Memphis & Charleston Railroad Ad from 1884

More Southern Railway information will be added to this page and others in the days ahead. Please let me know if you have any edits that should be made or any content you are willing to share by utilizing the comment form below. Would enjoy hearing from you if you have similar interests in the railroads, the region, or model railroading.

Southern-Railroads.org Sources and Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the Southern Railway and its predecessors. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Southern-Railroads.org. Much of the content on the website is verified across multiple sources.

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3Cs Websites

Appalachian-Railroads.org | Clinchfield.org | Southern-Railroads.org