New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-05-10
CheaD Road to Lake POntchnrtrain.

This paper recently made mention OF the
singular fact that the residents Of New Or
leans did not have single free road to the
lake, which statement rather astonished
some old fegies, although they were aware
of the circumstance, but never before gave
it thought A few far seeing gentlemen
having considered the case, concluded,
about year ago, to avail themselves of the
opportunity and construct street railroad
from Canal street out to Metairie ridge, on
Orleans street, through the City Park, to
the lake. This plan was SO plain and prac.
ticable that several capitalists Immediately
saw the many advantages of such line,
that they formed corporation and earn
estly began the work. A charter was OBJ
tanned, capital invested, and to-day the
solid result is that a firm road bed has been
constructed from Metairie ridge to the lake
shore, III an air line, thence along the shore
to the old Spanish fort at the mouth of
BAYOU st. John. Ties are in readiness the
entire distance, and as soon as the rails are
landed can be placed in position at short
notice.
The grading and other work, from Canal
street, at the junction of Basin street, out
to the ridge, can be easily accomplished.
The track will be on Bienville street as far
as Bernadotte street, thence to Orleans
street, south side, along the draining canal
to POntchartrains shore. That portion
along the canal will be double track, and
will make pleasant ride. On the south
side of the canal will be one of the finest
shell roads ever constructed in America,
and will not be defaced by abominable toll
gates-the only free route from our city to
the lake.
When this railroad shall be completed
people can ride to the lake as far as the old
Spanish fort for the insignificant sum of ten
cents, and when at the terminus may enjoy
cool breezes under beautiful shade trees,
and find all the creature comforts which
reason can demand, as the ancient garden
and hotel at the fort will be fully rejuvi-
mated for the free accommodation of visit
ors. The railroad depot will be Immediately
in the rear of the hotel, and back Of the
hotel will be canal where owners of yachts
may tie up their vessels in perfect safety
either from thieves or storms.
These things are side issues to the main
fact. We are to have cheap and rapid
transportation from the heart of our city to
the lake shore.
A few enterprising gentlemen. some of
them strangers to us, have accomplished
this much without so much as having all
the stock taken, consequently they certainly
possess great faith in the final results of
their venture.
"A drive over the new road bed from the
ridge road out to the lake shows an almost
perfect level from one end to the other and
very solid although through primitive
swamp, If, twenty years ago, any one had
suggested that fine shell road, pretty
canal and a useful railroad would be con-
structed on the continuation of Orleans
street, he would have been hooted down as
fanatic of low degree, but to-day the fact
is almost accomplished. Perhaps before
this summer is over our citizens can make
the cheap voyage by rail, obtain late lake
dinner at the old fort and return long be-
fore bed time, mvigorated in mind and
body.