crescent

R O U TE G U I D E

new york • philadelphia • washington, DC • atlanta • New orleans

We hope you enjoy reading this guide and learning about points of interest
along our route. It is written starting from the northeastern terminus of the train
in New York and proceeds to points southwest, ending in New Orleans. If you
boarded in New Orleans, just read the guide in reverse, remembering to look in
the opposite direction if referenced.
AMTRAK STATIONS are shown in all capital letters, as opposed to upper and
lower case for towns and geographical areas through which the train travels
but does not stop. The Amtrak System Timetable or the Crescent panel card
should be consulted for actual station times. While all service presented in this
guide was accurate at the time of publication, routes and services are subject
to change. Please contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL, visit Amtrak.com, or call
your travel agent for the most current information.
Between the front door of America’s Eastern Seaboard, Amtrak’s famous
Northeast Corridor, and the equally well-known delights of America’s Most
Interesting City, New Orleans, lays the authentic gateway to the American South
and its living history. From twinkling Northeast cityscapes to shining Blue Ridge
foothills to “new South” cities like Charlotte, Atlanta and Birmingham to the
Deep South and its shimmering, subtropical Louisiana swamp country – the
Crescent shoots for its namesake moon and hits the stars as well. See the
bombast of Broadway, the rich Civil War history of the South and the magic of
the “Crescent City.” The Crescent doesn’t just promise the moon – it delivers!
[Today’s Crescent is the lineal descendent of the Washington and Southwestern
Vestibuled Limited inaugurated in 1891 by the Richmond and Danville Railroad.
Advertised as providing “a service second to none,” it carried drawing room and
stateroom sleeping cars, dining cars, library and observation cars that were gas
lighted and equipped with running water. Its unique (for the time) vestibuled
platforms were considered a novelty, providing passengers the opportunity
to travel between cars safely and cleanly for the first time. Southern Railway
operated the train until 1979, when Amtrak officially took over the route. It was
a standout operation until the very end.]
 Welcome Aboard

Welcome aboard the the Crescent®! The Crescent takes you on a journey
through the Northeast cityscapes, shining Blue Ridge foothills, historic Civil War
battlefields, the heart of the American South and the shimmering Louisiana
bayou country. On board, you will experience the comfort and relaxation of
train travel while witnessing unique scenery. We are happy to have you aboard
today and want to ensure your trip is everything you want it to be. If there is
anything that can be done to make your trip more enjoyable, please do not
hesitate to call on any Amtrak employee.

THE TRAIN STAFF

The staff of the Crescent is here to make your trip a special and enjoyable
experience.
Conductor is responsible for the entire On-Board Services staff as well as
ticket collection, the safety of passengers and the safe operation of the train.
Lead Service Attendant is responsible for the operation of the Dining car
and Dining car staff.
Lounge Car Attendant is responsible for the operation of the
Lounge/Café car.
Sleeping Car Attendant is responsible for providing all service for
passengers ticketed in Sleeping car accommodations, including room
preparation, luggage service and any assistance necessary to ensure a
comfortable journey. He/She can also assist with meal reservations or arrange
for your meal to be served in the privacy and comfort of your accommodation.
Coach Attendant is responsible for providing service for passengers ticketed
in coach. This includes seat assignment, pillow service, luggage service and
assistance to ensure a comfortable journey.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Viewliner Sleeping accommodations provide a range of private rooms with
amenities for day and night use. From roomettes to bedrooms with lavatory
and shower, Sleeping car accommodations will suit any need and can be
described in more detail by any member of the crew. Please ask to speak
to the Conductor regarding the availability of rooms. Amtrak Club Acela® is
available in New York, Philadelphia and Washington stations, and the Magnolia
Room, a private waiting area, is available in New Orleans for Sleeping car
service passengers.
Coach seating provides a wide reclining seat with leg rest, folding tray table
and overhead lights. Free pillow service is also available.
Dining service features a wide range of meals prepared by Amtrak chefs with
regional specialties unique to the Crescent. The Dining car provides the perfect
atmosphere to meet your fellow passengers and enjoy a delicious meal while
the scenery glides by your window. Sleeping car accommodations include
meals in the Dining car while passengers ticketed in Coach may purchase
Dining car meals at reasonable prices. Unique scenery and a great staff make
dining on the Crescent a memorable experience.
Lounge/Café is the perfect car for purchasing lighter fare such as sandwiches,
snacks and beverages. This car provides the perfect atmosphere for sightseeing
and making new friends.

HOST RAILROADS are the freight and commuter railroads that Amtrak
contracts with to operate Amtrak passenger trains. The Crescent travels New
York-Washington –- Amtrak; Washington-Alexandria --- CSX; Alexandria-New
Orleans --- Norfolk Southern (NS).

Information contained in this route guide as well as described amenities and features are
subject to change without notice. While gratuities are not required for services provided, it
is an appreciated way to convey to an employee that he or she has made your trip more
enjoyable.

Crescent Route Guide 2

Banton, VA
 New York
NY-NJ State Line Hudson River Tunnels
NEW YORK is America’s most populous city. So famous are its districts
Meadowlands
NEWARK, NJ that Wall Street, Broadway and Madison Avenue are universally
New Brunswick
Elizabeth recognized shorthand for the industries located there. It is a global
TRENTON, NJ
city, with worldwide influence over commerce, finance, culture
Holmesburg Jct. NJ-PA State Line and entertainment and the arts. It is also an important center for
North Philadelphia
Schuylkill River
international affairs, hosting the United Nations headquarters. Unique
Philadelphia among U.S. cities for its high use of mass transit and the density and
University of Pennsylvania
Commodore Barry Bridge
Marcus Hook
diversity of its population, its reputation as a city that never sleeps
PA-DE State Line
The Delaware Memorial Bridge is due to its 24-hour subways and the constant bustling of traffic
WILMINGTON, DE and pedestrians. Birthplace of numerous cultural movements, its
metropolitan population surpassed 10 million in the early 1930s, making
Newark
DE-MD State Line it the first “megacity” in human history. Amtrak offers connections to its
Elkton
Susquehanna River entire system through Chicago from New York.
Aberdeen
New York/New Jersey State Line

Baltimore Hudson River Tunnels Departing Manhattan, we enter a 2.5 mile tunnel
under the Hudson River connecting Weehawken, New Jersey with
Pennsylvania Station. The tubes (one in each direction) were completed
in 1910 by the Pennsylvania Railroad.
New Carrollton
MD-DC State Line
New Jersey Meadowlands now visible is a large ecosystem of wetlands
known for being the site of large landfills and decades of environmental
Washington, DC
The Monuments abuse. The Meadowlands Sports Complex here was built in 1976. Even
Potomac River
DC-VA State Line
ALEXANDRIA, VA today, the area contains many species of fish, crustaceans and mollusks,
MANASSAS, VA
and is considered an important bird habitat.
CULPEPER, VA
Rapidan River
NEWARK is the largest city in New Jersey and a major container
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA shipping port. It is most recently known as Renaissance City for its
Monroe efforts to revitalize its downtown. It is the third largest insurance center
LYNCHBURG, VA in the U.S. and home to Newark Museum with the best Tibetan arts
collection in the world. Its New Jersey Devils hockey club came in 2007.
DANVILLE, VA

VA-NC State Line

Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in the state. It was named one of
GREENSBORO, NC
“America’s Greenest Cities” by Popular Science magazine in 2008. Its
first major industry was the Singer Sewing Machine Company in 1872.
HIGH POINT, NC
Baseball great Yogi Berra hails from Elizabeth.
SALISBURY, NC
New Brunswick on the southern bank the Raritan River is known as
CHARLOTTE, NC “Healthcare City,” reflecting its concentration of medical facilities as
GASTONIA, NC
well as the corporate offices and production facilities of several large
NC-SC State Line pharmaceutical companies. Settled in 1681, it became an important
SPARTANBURG, SC
hub for Colonial travelers and traders. Home of Rutgers University,
GREENVILLE, SC its list of notable natives includes former Washington Redskins
CLEMSON, SC
quarterback Joe Theismann and actor Michael Douglas.
SC-GA State Line
TRENTON is the capital of New Jersey and was the site in 1776 of
TOCCOA, GA George Washington’s first military victory after crossing the Delaware
River. It was briefly capital of the United States in November and
Oglethorpe University December of 1784. Watch for the bridge slogan that reads “Trenton
Atlanta Makes, the World Takes” -- a relic of its era as a major manufacturing
Chattahoochee River center from the late 1800s through the 1950s. It is home to New Jersey
Tallapoosa
GA-AL State Line
State Prison with two maximum security units. Innovative comedian
Mount Cheaha
Heflin Ernie Kovacs, influenced deeply by his Trenton Central High School
Anniston Army Depot
ANNISTON, AL
drama teacher, in turn went on to influence American comedy for
Chula Vista Mountain Tunnel
The Coosa River decades after his 1962 death in an automobile accident.
Birmingham
New Jersey/Pennsylvania State Line
University of Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, AL
North Philadelphia is home to Temple University and birthplace of
Chula Vista Mountain Eutaw
Tombigbee River comedian Bill Cosby. Tastykake and Pep Boys are headquartered in its
Livingston Allegheny West neighborhood.
AL-MS State Line
MERIDIAN, MS
Schuylkill River (pronounced SKOO-kull) is very popular with
LAUREL, MS watersports enthusiasts and college rowing teams. Boat House Row
HATTIESBURG, MS
PICAYUNE, MS is visible on the left after crossing the river, as is the Philadelphia
MS-LA State Line
SLIDELL, LA Museum of Art, the steps of which were used by “Rocky” to train for
Lake Pontchartrain
Louisiana State University his big fight in the film of the same name.

New Orleans
Crescent Route Guide 3
 Washington, DC

PHILADELPHIA Before we enter 30th Street Station, Center City can be

seen on the left. City Hall Tower holds a statue of William Penn, founder
of Pennsylvania, planner and developer of Philadelphia – the “City
of Brotherly Love” -- and a devout pacifist and Quaker. Home of the
Liberty Bell, the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S.
Constitution, Philadelphia was the social and geographical center of the
original 13 American colonies, giving birth to the American Revolution. It
also served as the nation’s second capital in 1774. Today, its metropolitan
area is the fourth largest in the U.S.
University of Pennsylvania is now visible behind the school stadium,
Franklin Field. A member of the Ivy League, it serves 20,000 students
with 4,500 professors as one of the most selective universities in the
U.S. It offered the nation’s first modern liberal arts curriculum after a
board of trustees was assembled by Benjamin Franklin in 1749.
Commodore Barry Bridge spans the Delaware River between
Bridgeport, N.J. and Chester, Pa. At 1,644 ft., it is the fourth longest
cantilever bridge in the world.
Marcus Hook calls itself the “Cornerstone of Pennsylvania.” Situated
alongside the Delaware River, it provided the setting for the 2005 film
One Last Thing about a teen with a rare, terminal form of cancer who
wished only for a date with a supermodel.
Delaware Memorial Bridge is visible downriver and connects Delaware
with New Jersey. Its eight lanes span the world’s longest twin major leagues. One of Amtrak’s eight busiest stations, the city is home to
suspension bridge. author Tom Clancy and Olympian Michael Phelps.
WILMINGTON experienced high growth in jobs and office NEW CARROLLTON is a suburban stop for Amtrak’s Northeast
construction in the 1980s after passage of laws liberalizing bank Corridor service, situated alongside the eastern terminus of the
governance within the state. Many international banks have operations Washington Metrorail’s Orange Line. Lying just inside the famous
in the city, especially credit card operations. The historic train station Washington Capital Beltway, it is named for a delegate to the
was built in 1908 by the former Pennsylvania Railroad. Notables from Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence,
Wilmington include actress Valerie Bertinelli, musician Cab Calloway Charles Carroll.
and commentator Bill Press.
Maryland/DC Border
Newark (pronounced NU-ARK) was founded in 1694. During the
WASHINGTON, DC is the nation’s capital, founded in 1790. In addition
Revolutionary War, legend has it that the Stars and Stripes were first
to all three branches of the federal government, it houses 172 foreign
flown at the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge outside of Newark. Today, it is
embassies and the headquarters of the World Bank, International
home to the University of Delaware, with world class programs in
Monetary Fund, Organization of American States, Inter-American
business, chemical engineering, chemistry and biochemistry. Its central
Development Bank, Pan American Health Organization, numerous trade
area is compact, walkable and lively, due in large part to university
unions, lobbying groups and professional associations. It is also home
students. Edgar Allan Poe is said to have written parts of “The Raven”
to a number of museums and monuments, and parks such as Rock
while staying at an inn on Main Street.
Creek, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, National Mall, Theodore Roosevelt
Delaware/Maryland State Line Island and Anacostia. Washington Union Station was opened in 1907.
Designed by Daniel Burnham, it was restored in 1988 and is today one
Elkton marks the head of navigation on the Elk River, which flows into
of the biggest tourist attractions in the city, housing shops, restaurants,
nearby Chesapeake Bay. The town was once famous as a place for
theaters, Washington Metro light rail and Amtrak. Washington is one
eloping couples to marry.
of only 13 cities in the U.S. with teams representing all four major
Susquehanna River is the longest river on the east coast and provides sports; its Washington Redskins have won three professional league
half of the freshwater inflow for the Chesapeake. Geologically, it is championships. Several notable universities, including Georgetown,
regarded as extremely ancient. In 1979, it was the scene of the Three American, George Washington and Catholic are in Washington. We
Mile Island nuclear power accident near Harrisburg, PA. approach the city from a tunnel under the Capitol, affording us a
sweeping view of “official” Washington. Visible soon is the Bureau
Aberdeen is home to the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground,
of Engraving and Printing, where all currency and postage stamps
established by Congress in 1918. Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripkin,
are produced. The Washington Monument dominates the skyline, and
Jr. hails from Aberdeen.
the Jefferson Memorial – modeled after the third president’s home at
BALTIMORE is a major seaport founded in 1706 and the largest city in Monticello – can be seen astride the Tidal Basin, ringed by Japanese
Maryland. Its Inner Harbor is a successful example of the city’s ambitious cherry trees.
renewal effort. It is named after Lord Baltimore, founding proprietor of
DC/Virginia Border
the Maryland Colony. Francis Scott Key, a Maryland lawyer, wrote the Star
Spangled Banner here, a recounting of the British attack on the harbor Potomac River As we cross, the Pentagon is visible on the Virginia side
during the War of 1812. Baltimore exhibits examples of architecture and Arlington National Cemetery is just beyond. We now pass Crystal
from periods ranging over two centuries. Oriole Park at Camden Yards City, an office and hotel complex. The river, 383 miles long, forms
is considered to be the most beautiful “retro” style baseball park in the a part of the borders between Maryland, Washington, Virginia and

Crescent Route Guide 4

West Virginia. Known as “The Nation’s River,” it is rich in history and Virginia/North Carolina State Line
heritage. George Washington was born in, surveyed and spent most
GREENSBORO is the largest city in the “Piedmont Triad” metro
of his life within the Potomac Basin. Its watershed links coal miners in
region. It is named for Major General Nathanael Greene, whose forces
upstream West Virginia, urban residents in the District of Columbia and
inflicted heavy damage on the British Army of Lord Cornwallis during
watermen in Virginia’s Northern Neck.
the Revolutionary War, ultimately leading to its surrender at Yorktown,
ALEXANDRIA and its historic center, Old Town, is a mostly high- Va. Although relatively undamaged by the Civil War, the city was the
income suburb of Washington, largely populated by professionals last meeting place of the entire Confederate government and the
working in federal civil service, the military, or for one of the private site where Confederate soldiers stacked their arms, received paroles
companies contracting to provide service to the federal government. and headed for home. Here was the first Woolworth’s lunch counter
Established in 1695, it was ceded in 1791 to the U.S. Government to to be desegregated, which is now displayed at the Smithsonian in
form the District of Columbia, and retro ceded to Virginia in 1846 when Washington. Prosperity was achieved through textiles, and the industry
the District of Columbia was reduced in size to exclude that portion remains a strong presence today in this major textile headquarters city.
south of the Potomac River. Market Square in Old Town is the oldest Short story writer O. Henry and CBS news anchor Edward R. Murrow
continuously operating marketplace in the U.S. were born in Greensboro.
MANASSAS began life as Manassas Junction, a strategic railroad HIGH POINT, regarded as the “Furniture Capital of the World,” is
crossing that was the focal point of two Civil War Battles of Bull Run. It also known for textiles. Its Thomas Built factory is one of only three
is today a suburb of Washington, and is served by the commuter railroad large school bus manufacturers in the U.S. Here also resides one of
Virginia Railway Express at the Manassas station. In 1993, it gained the few Bentley dealerships in the southeast. The Angela Peterson Doll
notoriety as the hometown of John and Lorena Bobbitt. and Miniature Museum is one of the south’s largest, and its “World’s
Largest Chest of Drawers” has been an iconic city symbol since 1926.
CULPEPER is a town of 9,600 that has grown rapidly into a “bedroom
community” of Northern Virginia and its Washington suburbs. During SALISBURY was the site of a noted prisoner of war camp. It is home
the Civil War, it was an important crossroads for a number of armies to grocery store chain Food Lion and the hometown of the state’s
marching through central Virginia, both Union and Confederate. In the former senior U.S. Senator, Elizabeth Dole.
heart of downtown stands the childhood home of Confederate General
CHARLOTTE, the Queen City, displays a striking skyline that only
A.P. Hill, commander of “Hill’s Light Division” under Stonewall Jackson.
hints at its importance as a financial and information technology hub.
During the Revolutionary War, the Culpeper Minutemen militia was
Its other nickname, “Hornet’s Nest,” is attributed to British General
formed here.
Cornwallis who, during the American Revolution, was bedeviled by the
Rapidan River, one of America’s best trout fishing streams, is the largest hostility of the local populace to British rule. Settled in 1755 at the
tributary of the Rappahannock River in North-central Virginia. intersection of two Native American trading posts, today’s Charlotte
is the second largest banking headquarters in the country after New
CHARLOTTESVILLE has been named best place to live in the U.S.
York City and the 19th largest city in the U.S. Approximately 75%
based on cost of living, climate and quality of life. It is home to three
of NASCAR’s employees and drivers are based within two hours of
former presidents: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James
downtown; Lowe’s Motor Speedway and the new state-of-the-art
Monroe. It is also home to the University of Virginia, and to Monticello,
zMAX Drag Strip are located nearby in Concord. The NFL’s Carolina
Jefferson’s renowned mountain-top home. The town was undamaged
Panthers, founded in 1995, play home games at Bank of America
during the Civil War, surrendered by the mayor to spare it from burning.
Stadium. Charlotte’s 60-story, 871-ft. tall postmodern gothic tower
Nearby Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive offer recreational
that serves as the Bank of America’s Corporate Center is the tallest
activities and beautiful scenery. Its Downtown Mall is one of the
skyscraper between Philadelphia and Atlanta. Former Washington
longest outdoor pedestrian malls in the country. Actress Sissy Spacek,
Redskins Hall of Fame Coach and NASCAR championship team owner
actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and novelist John Grisham have all
Joe Gibbs hails from Charlotte.
called Charlottesville home.
GASTONIA is part of the Charlotte metropolitan area and home of
LYNCHBURG is known as the “City of Seven Hills.” Located near the
Parkdale Mills, the number one manufacturer of spun yarn in the world.
geographical center of the state, it served as a Confederate supply
Within the city limits is Crowders Mountain State Park, a popular
base during the Civil War. Nearby is Appomattox Courthouse, where
destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant to end the
war. The first cigarette rolling machine was invented here and, thanks North Carolina/South Carolina State Line
to the tobacco industry, the city is filled with remarkable architecture
SPARTANBURG was established as a village in the 1780s and
commissioned by wealthy Lynchburgers. Founder John Lynch’s brother,
incorporated as a city in 1831. The downtown’s primary hub, Morgan
Charles, headed a court to punish Loyalist supporters of the British
Square, was named for Gen. Daniel Morgan, who commanded victorious
during the Revolutionary War. The sentences he handed down came
American forces at the Battle of Cowpens nearby. A pivotal skirmish, its
to be known as “lynch laws” and are the source of the modern term
winning was dependent upon a local young woman, Kate Barry, who
“lynching.”
forewarned American troops of a British advance. Today, Spartanburg
DANVILLE was established in 1792 as Wynne’s Falls. The following is home to the world headquarters of Denny’s restaurants and to a
year, the “world’s best tobacco market” was established and the BMW auto manufacturing plant. Notable residents include actress Andie
village was renamed Danville. It briefly became the last capital of MacDowell and the Marshall Tucker Band.
the Confederacy, housed in the palatial estate of Major William
GREENVILLE was once known as the “Textile Capital of the World,”
Sutherlin, which is now a museum of fine arts and history. One of
but low wages and favorable tax benefits have more recently lured
the Confederacy’s leading generals, Danville native William Lewis
foreign companies such as Michelin. The city is also a respected medical
Cabell, later became the mayor of Dallas, Texas, presiding over the
center. Greenville has a thriving arts community; the Bi-Lo Center brings
considerable expansion and modernization of that city.
in national tours of many popular bands. Its Museum of Art houses the
Andrew Wyeth Collection, which attracts scholars nationwide. Notable

Crescent Route Guide 5

figures who were born in, lived in or worked in Greenville include ANNISTON On the right side we can see the Lee Brass Foundry, one
Wayne Oates, the psychologist who coined the word “workaholic;” of the largest of its kind in the world, with a 423,000 sq. ft. facility
country music star Aaron Tippin; civil rights activist and two-time on 14 acres. During the Civil War period, the Confederate States
presidential candidate Jesse Jackson; and actress Joanne Woodward. established an iron furnace near present-day downtown. Later, clay
pipe for sewer systems became the focus of industrial output. In 1917,
CLEMSON is in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and home
the Army established a training camp at Ft. McClellan. Today, a portion
to Clemson University, which adds 17,000 additional residents to the
of it is used for Alabama National Guard training and a U.S. Homeland
town’s 12,000 normal population eight months out of the year. The
Security anti-terrorism training unit. The Anniston Army Depot on the
cultural center of the city, it also houses Fort Hill, home of John C.
right is a major Army facility with primary missions including the repair
Calhoun, one of only two men to serve as Vice President under two
of heavy tracked vehicles – the only depot capable of such – and
different Presidents, and only one of two men to have resigned the
storage of chemical weaponry, much of which has been destroyed.
office.
Examples of the tanks are visible from the train.
South Carolina/Georgia State Line
Coosa River is one of the state’s most developed, with a total of seven
TOCCOA was the site of a paratrooper training base for the 101st dams maintained by Alabama Power. Hydroelectric power has proven
Airborne Division, whose Easy Company was the subject of the HBO valuable to the citizens of Alabama but costly to some species endemic
miniseries Band of Brothers. The town is the birthplace of actor to the main stem of the river.
DeForest Kelley, Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy on TV’s Star Trek; and
BIRMINGHAM is the largest city in Alabama. Known as the
Olympic gold medalist Paul Anderson, “the world’s strongest man.”
“Pittsburgh of the South,” it was founded in 1871 as an industrial
GAINESVILLE is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. enterprise named after one of the U.K.’s major cities. Its industries
It is often called the chicken capital of the world because of its large centered around iron and steel production. The site of its original
number of poultry processing plants. railroad crossing is the only place worldwide where significant amounts
of iron ore, coal and limestone – the raw materials for steel – can
Oglethorpe University is visible on the right, a private liberal arts be found in close proximity. Over the course of the last century, the
college in Atlanta chartered in 1835 and named after the state’s economy diversified. Today, banking, insurance, medicine, publishing
founder, James Oglethorpe. Many of its campus buildings display and biotechnology maintain a strong presence. Actress Courtney
distinctive Gothic revival architecture. The school is home to the Cox, singer Taylor Hicks and bandleader Lionel Hampton all hail from
International Time Capsule Society, a repository of time capsule projects Birmingham.
worldwide.
Bryant-Denny Stadium can be seen as we approach Tuscaloosa. Here
ATLANTA, financial and commercial capital of the New South, came the Alabama Crimson Tide football team competes. Known colloquially
into being as a rail terminus. Its Civil War importance as a military and as “’Bama,” the university is the flagship school of the University
railroad supply hub were portrayed in the 1939 film Gone With the of Alabama System. The team has won 12 national championships,
Wind. The core was burned to the ground in 1864 by Union General produced 18 hall-of-famers, including coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, and
Sherman as part of his March to the Sea. When it set about rebuilding, notched the most bowl appearances – and wins – of any team in
the railroad again played a vital role, shipping a local product known college football.
as Coca Cola. Today, Atlanta is a driving force of the South, undergoing
a transition from a city of regional commerce to a city of international TUSCALOOSA is named for the Choctaw chieftain Tuskaloosa, who
influence. Its Bank of America Plaza is the tallest building in the U.S. was defeated by Hernando de Soto in 1540. Between 1826 and 1846,
outside of Chicago and New York City. The city’s Georgia Dome, home the town was the capital of Alabama. Fifth largest city in Alabama, it
of the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL, has hosted the Super Bowl twice. is home not only to the University of Alabama but is also a center of
Atlanta features the world’s largest aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, industry, commerce, and healthcare. Mercedes Benz announced its first
opened in 2005. It is also a major cable programming center, being North American assembly plant in the county of the same name in
home to CNN and The Weather Channel. Among Gamma World Cities 1993; it now produces the GL-Class SUV. The Bama Theatre was one of
in the U.S., Atlanta ranks third in the number of Fortune 500 companies the last of the traditional movie palaces built in the south, and was the
headquartered within city boundaries, behind New York City and only air conditioned building in town in 1938. The many references to
Houston. the city in popular culture include a classic Groucho Marx line from the
film Animal Crackers: Portraying Capt. Spaulding, the famous African
Chattahoochee River We cross the river as it passes through industrial explorer, he explains that he had trouble removing elephant tusks as
sections of Atlanta. The name is believed to originate with the Creek they were so tightly wedged into place. “Of course,” added Groucho,
Indian word for “painted rock” due to the colorful granite outcroppings “in Alabama, the tusks are looser.”
along some segments. It displays much of the natural scenic beauty
that runs through the city and is protected by watchdog groups. Eutaw has 27 antebellum homes on the National Register of Historic
Places. The site of prime cotton land, plantations flourished here
Georgia/Alabama State Line prior to the Civil War. Nearby Greenetrack features thoroughbred
Time Change at this point you may adjust your watch as we cross horseracing, greyhound racing, bingo and gaming machines.
the Central/Eastern time zone. If you are traveling east (north), set your Tombigbee River We now cross this tributary of the Mobile River, the
watch ahead one hour; if you are traveling west (south), set your watch watershed of which encompasses much of the rural coastal plain of
back one hour. western Alabama. It is a principal route of commercial navigation in the
Cheaha Mountain, visible on the left, is the highest point in Alabama. southern U.S., connected in its upper reaches to the Tennessee River via
Bald Rock near the peak provides an impressive view from an overlook the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway since its completion in 1985.
of the surrounding region. The mountain is part of the Talladega Livingston was named for statesman and jurist Edward Livingston.
Mountains, the final segment of the Blue Ridge. Nearby is Mannington Floors, manufacturer of residential and
commercial flooring materials.

Crescent Route Guide 6

Alabama/Mississippi State Line Lake Pontchartrain We now cross a 6.2 mile trestle spanning the 630-
sq. mi. lake, the second largest saltwater lake in the U.S. and the largest
MERIDIAN was established in 1860 at a railroad intersection. Burned
lake in Louisiana. It connects to the Gulf of Mexico via The Rigolets
to the ground at the conclusion of the Civil War, it rebuilt and entered
strait. The Causeway was constructed for vehicle traffic in the late
a Golden Age through 1930. Its nine historic districts illustrate its
1950s to connect New Orleans with Mandeville and, at 24 mi., is the
rich history. The renovated multimodal station in the historic district
longest bridge over a body of water in the world. Becoming visible
is the first historic reconstruction project to receive a grant from the
soon will be Louisiana State University at New Orleans and its Dental
state under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of
School, and the above-ground cemeteries of Metairie, a New Orleans
1991, leveraging more than $8 million in private investment. Today,
suburb.
the city boasts 178 healthcare and social assistance institutions,
378 retail establishments, and the headquarters of Sara Lee and the NEW ORLEANS’ skyline soon becomes visible on the left. “America’s
Peavey Electronics Corporation, manufacturers of guitars and sound Most Interesting City” is also known as the Crescent City, ‘Nawlins,
equipment. Notable natives include actress Sela Ward and country and the City that Care Forgot. Whatever you call it, it won’t be boring:
music legend Jimmie Rodgers. the city has an abundant and eclectic mix of jazz, nightlife, world-class
restaurants, antebellum architecture and storied history – sufficient
LAUREL has seen a significant population increase since Hurricane
to satisfy varied tastes. The station is located next to the massive
Katrina. Founded in 1882 as a lumber town, its principal employers
Louisiana Superdome, largest fixed dome structure in the world and
include the Masonite Corporation, manufacturers of entry and interior
home to the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. Famously used as a
doors. It also houses the oldest art museum in Mississippi. Washington
shelter during Hurricane Katrina, it was designed in 1967. Whether
Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell and running back Clinton Portis
it’s a cruise on a grand Mississippi River paddle-wheeler, a trip on the
both hail from Laurel.
famed streetcars through the Garden District or a stroll through the
HATTIESBURG is known as “Hub City” due to its placement at crossing Riverwalk shopping center, there is much to see and do. By 1840, New
rail lines. It is home to the University of Southern Mississippi, William Orleans had become the wealthiest and third most populous city in the
Carey University and Camp Shelby, the largest National Guard training U.S. Today, it is world famous for its abundance of unique architectural
base east of the Mississippi River. The restored station, dedicated in styles, with seventeen historic landmark districts. From the renowned
2007, boasts extensive improvements worth $10 million, including a French Quarter and Bourbon St. to famous St. Charles Avenue, home to
wireless network zone, funded by a combination of federal allocations, Tulane and Loyola Universities, New Orleans is one of the top ten most
grant funds from the Great American Stations Foundation, state and visited cities in the U.S.
city contributions. Singer, songwriter, author and movie producer
Jimmy Buffett played guitar during his college years at Southern.
The local police department is serviced by its own training academy,
one of the most difficult basic academies in the country with an over
50% attrition rate. Legend has it that the idea behind MCI/Worldcom
telecommunications was sketched out by “Bernie” Ebbers and his
investors on a napkin during a meeting in a Hattiesburg diner.
We now cut through the De Soto National Forest.
PICAYUNE Situated in a denser and more subtropical landscape,
Picayune is the business and medical center of Pearl River County,
approximately 45 miles from New Orleans. It was founded in 1904
by the then-owner and publisher of the New Orleans Times-Picayune
newspaper. Since Hurricane Katrina, it has become the permanent
home of many who relocated from the Mississippi Gulf Coast seeking
a safe home site. The train station was rebuilt as an intermodal facility
and opened in 2008, featuring a classic early 20th century design
including a “port cochere” (portico) and waiting room.
Mississippi/Louisiana State Line
SLIDELL was named for John Slidell, the one-time Confederate
States of America commissioner to France, member of Congress and
U.S. plenipotentiary (a diplomat entrusted with full power over a
single issue) to Mexico, sent to offer $30 million for California and to
negotiate the border of Texas as the Rio Grande River by President
James K. Polk. The town became a home to producers of bricks
and creosote. With the opening of a NASA computer center, Slidell
became a major suburb of New Orleans. It suffered extensive damage
from Hurricane Katrina, experiencing a 23 ft. storm surge from Lake
Pontchartrain. Native Tony Canzoneri is one member of an exclusive
group of professional boxers who have won world titles in three
separate weight divisions.

Crescent Route Guide 7

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