Pine Bluff was once Cotton Belt railway hub

In 1875, the St. Louis Southwestern Railway began in Tyler, Texas. James W. Paramore, who led a group of investors that later owned the company, saw this railroad as a way to establish St. Louis as the primary gateway for selling cotton from the southwest in eastern markets. Thus the St. Louis Southwestern Railway became better known as the Cotton Belt.

Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society

cotton belt route

SSW Cotton Belt #819 Pine Bluff to Tyler Part 1 1993

Visit the Museuma in Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Patrick Pope's Cotton Belt Jonesboro Subdivision Model Railroad

Lots of entries. A full year of logged time. Lots of vintage local adds throughout.

Vintage 1969 RAILWAY PINE BLUFF COTTON BELT TIME RECORD BOOK Pamphlet RARE

Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society

Arkansas Railroad Museum in Pine Bluff - Only In Arkansas

Arkansas Railroad Museum

Cotton Belt 819: Pillar of Pine Bluff

Remembering the IRON GIANTS Northwest Arkansas Democrat

Arkansas Railroad Museum

Pine Bluff conveys history as transportation hub