WWII & the L&N Railroad
The echoes of World War II resonated far beyond the battlefields, reaching every corner of society, including the railways that crisscrossed the nation. The Louisville & Nashville Railroad, with its storied history, once again found itself at the heart of a wartime mobilization effort.
As World War II engulfed the world from September 1, 1939, (85th Anniversary) to September 2, 1945, railroads, including L&N, experienced a tremendous increase in business. An astonishing 80% surge in rail activity occurred, reaffirming the railways’ pivotal role in supporting the war effort.
Railroads were the backbone of troop movements during WWII, facilitating the transportation of more than 90% of military equipment, and supplies, and 97% of all troops to military bases and ports of embarkation. L&N, with its extensive network, played a crucial part in ensuring the efficient mobilization of troops on the home front.
The demands of war extended beyond military logistics. Railroads witnessed a staggering 300% increase in civilian passenger miles, soaring from 23.8 billion in 1940 to a remarkable 96 billion in 1944. L&N trains carried 3.2 million passengers in 1939, but by 1944, this number had swelled to 12.4 million travelers.
Wartime conditions led to a significant expansion of employment within L&N. In 1939, the railroad had an average of 28,000 employees, and by 1945, that number had risen to 34,303. The war effort saw 6,936 L&N Company workers enlist in the armed forces, with 112 making the ultimate sacrifice. Retired men returned to service, filling vacant positions, and women became an integral part of the workforce, with nearly 3,500 hired by 1945.
The war created new opportunities for women on the home front, and the L&N Railroad embraced this shift by hiring nearly 3,500 women by 1945. These women played vital roles in various capacities, contributing to the war effort, and reshaping the gender dynamics within the railroad industry.
World War II transformed the landscape of nations, and the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, like many others, played a pivotal role on the home front. Beyond being a mode of transportation, the railroad became a lifeline, supporting troop movements, handling increased civilian travel, and adapting to the challenges of wartime employment. As we reflect on this chapter in history, it becomes evident that the L&N Railroad not only connected cities but also wove itself into the fabric of the nation’s resilience during a time of global conflict.
When you visit the 2-story museum at the Historic RailPark & Train Museum you can see our exhibits featuring “Railroads Go To War”.
