Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey
Tucked away in the brush in a field just south of Lecompte, Louisiana, is the intriguing remains of the former depot of the Red River & Gulf Railroad. This historic depot, which was constructed in 1906, was a pivotal stop for the railroad until its closure in 1954. If you take a moment to gaze towards the left side of the depot (In one of the photos below), you’ll spot a noticeable gap in the treeline where the Red River & Gulf tracks once existed.
These tracks extended southeast past the depot, crossing over Bayou Boeuf and eventually linking up with the Texas & Pacific Railroad. The Texas & Pacific later evolved into the Missouri Pacific and is now part of the Union Pacific network. The depot in Lecompte wasn't just a stopping point; it served as a significant junction with the Rock Island Railroad. Here, lumber was carefully offloaded from the Red River & Gulf and transferred onto Rock Island trains, which played a vital role in transporting materials that would reach New Orleans. Some of this lumber contributed to the construction of boats that were essential during World War II.
Sadly, the depot now finds itself in a state of disrepair, and it’s uncertain how much longer it will stand. It’s important to note that the former Red River & Gulf depot is situated on private property. I had the privilege of receiving special permission from the property owner to capture some photographs of this historic site, which is why I won’t be sharing its exact location. Please remember: DO NOT TRESPASS! If you’re fascinated by history or railroads, this site is a poignant piece of the past worth appreciating from a distance!
Check Out: Uncover the Story Behind Abandoned Locomotive #400 in Long Leaf, Louisiana
It's interesting to share that a local resident from Lecompte, who previously worked with the Texas & Pacific Railroad, mentioned an icehouse that used to be adjacent to the depot. Unfortunately, on my visit, I couldn't find any traces of it. Additionally, I spoke with local historians at the Southern Forest Heritage Museum, home to the last remaining locomotives and equipment from the Red River & Gulf Railroad. They informed me they were not aware of any icehouse ever being situated at the depot either. So while it’s a captivating bit of history, it’s worth approaching the information with a bit of skepticism! If anyone has further insights or can illuminate these mysteries, I’d love to hear them!
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