IC/ICG Johnston Yard

A million-dollar reconstruction program at Nonconnah, renamed Johnston Yard, Memphis, was completed in April, 1949, permitting the elimination of car riders and adding substantially to the yard's operating efficiency. With the completion of the 1949 rail-laying program, the operation of heavier freight trains at higher speeds made possible over the low-grade "Valley Route" between Memphis and Jackson, Mississippi, via Lambert, Gwin and Yazoo City. This allowed the IC to cut the running time of its Chicago- New Orleans hot-shot freight train, the CN-3, to thirty-six hours--the fastest run ever scheduled between the two cities.

Bob Tomb Collection
IC Johnston A Yard from 3rd Street overpass, 1940s

David Johnston Photos
A cab ride by Steve Forrest and David Johnston into Johnston Yard aboard a Cotton Belt SD40 , 4/73.

David Johnston Photo
GM&O GP30 #503 leads a southbound freight into Johnston Yard, 10/19/75.

Return to main Memphis Historical Railroad Page

This page was designed and is maintained by Mike Condren. If you have materials
that you would like to contribute, contact me at mcondren@cbu.edu