Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-07-28
Trip on the jackson Railroad.


West. Although these roads are far from
being completed, still, one must be blind no
to discover the beneficial effects that they have
already been instrumental in bringing about BY
affording the interior planters, those remote
from the advantages Of navigation, the means
Of transporting their produce to market, at a
time to profit by its advantages. And to whom
are the people of Louisiana indebted for hrs'
having preached and urged the great suo)ec'
of Internal Improvements To none more than
to James Robb, the much lamented Christopher
Adams, J. P Benjamin, ". s. Campbell ana
a host of others, no less enthusiastic IN 'ne
cause during the session Of the State heglsia-
ture of 1852 At that session of the Leglsia-
ture the representatives of the people in their
legislative capacity, had the question sub
mitted to them of changing the constitution Of
! As, which, from its proscriptive policy, had
| imposed restrictions not to be overcome, unless
the organic law was remodeled, and o more
liberal one adopted.
All know the result Of these recommendations
of the representatives. They were seconded by
the people, and our present constitution, one Of
the most liberal and republican in its character
of any State in the Union, was subsequently
framed and adopted and to it do we owe our
present and future prosperity. The shock
occasioned by the failure of the New Orleans
and Nashville Railroad has been overcome by
the energy that has been isplayed in the con-
Quoting and management of the Opelousas and
Jackson Roads. All now seems bright in the
future, and no impediment should be offered
which would cause these great enterprises to
fail of success. But We are DEPRESSING Our
object is to treat Of our excursion on the Jack
son road.
Among those who partook of the dinner
given by President w. G. Hewes, of the Opelou-
sas road, in honor of the completion of the
bridge across the Lafourche, was our much
esteemed friend Capt. WARREN A. GRIcE,
superintendent of the jackson Road, who very
courtiously and cordially extended US an invita-
ton to visit that road. An invitation so
pressingly given we could not resist; accord
ingly on Saturday morning last in company
with few Of our choice New Orleans friends
found ourself at the Depot of that road, corner
of Soils and Callope streets. We had not been
there any length of time before the steam
whistle appraised us that the hour for starting
was near at hand, and that the steam horse
would soon be under way, with its retnue of
cars, putting with lightning speed through the
verdant fields Of corn and cane that skirt either
side of the road, considerable distance up the
coast. At eight o'clock A. M. we were under
full speed, and it was not long before we
reached Kenner, the first station, about ten
miles from the city. This is a new town, hav-
ing some four or five houses, laid out by Minor
Kenner, Esq. The next object which attracted
our attention was the "Prairie," some distance
beyond Kenner. This lovely spot has the APP
pearance of an immense cotton field, SO per-
fectly is it covered with HIBISCUS, species Of
wild cotton, the flowers Of which are of various
hues. The next station is the Premiere and
Bayou LaBranche, about twenty-three miles
from the city, very much resorted to forfsh
ing and hunting. The great curve of the road
T
lake is seen nearly the whole distance, is one
Of the most beautiful that we have ever seen,
and is said to be most mastery piece of en-
gineering.
After leaving bayou Labranche the road passes
through strips of swamp and highlands to Pass
Manchac, 81 miles from New Orleans, over which
is constructed substantial and beautiful bridge
This Pass connects Lake Mauripas, with Lake
Pontchartran. From this place the road passes
through low cypress swamp, now being filed in
with earth from the highlands; and although that
this portion is the worst section of the road it
will in very short time be equally as good as any
other part Of the whole line. After leaving the
swamp the road crosses small high prairie and
thence merges into the Piney Woods The next
stations in their order Pontchitoua, At, Tick
faw, So, Amite City, s., Tangpahoa, Is, and
Osyka, the present terminus, SO miles from New
Orleans, which, with Amite City and Pontchitoula,
are the most important stations on the whole line
The road from Pontchitoula to the State line,
Osyka, is one among the best we have ever seen,
and reflects the highest credit on the excellent
Of the company. Osyka, is already
q place Of considerable trade, and shipped during
the past season nearly fifteen thousand bales Of
cotton. It contains some eight or ten stores two
hotels, besides number Of coffee houses billiard
saloons etc. It is situated in Pike County, Miss,
Of which bonneville is the county seat The
next most important station is Amite City, in the
parish Of st. Helena. It contains, besides several
stores and dwellings, ETC., large, elegant hotel
With accommodations for hundred guests, con.
Quoted by F. E. Hesler, a gentleman thoroughly
versed in this line Of business as we can knowingly
testify having soourned at his hotel for the greater
part Of two days. This young city is owned by
Aessrs. J. N. Bach, W. q. Garland, and others,
and must eventually become place Of consider
able importance. Mr.. Bach is now having erected
N the outskirts of the city large saw MILL which
will be completed in the course Of the ensuing
month"; and thereby afford every facility for obtain
ng lumber for building purposes, which cannot but
let as an incentive towards building up the town.
We forgot to mention in its proper place that the
proprietor Of the Amte City Hotel, Mr.. Hesler, has
semi-weekly line of stages between