Two groups known for their obsessive attention to detail — history buffs and railroad buffs — can meet at the crossroads at the Memphis Historical Railroad Pages website maintained by Christian Brothers University.
The site has a fine collection of vintage photos and postcards showing old trains, stations, depots, switchyards, and bridges. Old maps help Memphians today trace the routes of this city’s best-known lines — the Frisco, Missouri-Pacific, and others.
There’s even a page devoted to “Memphis Railroad Mysteries,” but it’s not quite as mysterious as one might hope. Mainly it’s a group of photos, and viewers are asked to held identify the location.
All in all, though, it’s a great resource, and a look back at the days when the best way to travel was by train. Meanwhile, for one of our Flyer reports on the recent state of Amtrak service in Memphis, go here.