Memphis & Charleston RR-1857
Feb. 3, 1857-Memphis and Charleston R.R.: We learn from the Huntsville Advocate of last Thursday that "only 30 miles of track-laying remains to connect the two ends of this road, and place us in direct connection with Memphis. The grading is to be completed by the 1-St proximo, and the track-laying by the 1-st of April. The iron for the 30 miles is ready to be laid down, Messrs. L. Russell at this end and J.D. Goodloe at the western end, are the contractors for laying the iron and we consider the completion by the designated time as certain."
Feb. 18, 1857- A Crowded City: For several weeks past the hotels and boarding houses of Memphis have been literally crowded with persons from the adjoining counties and neighboring States, giving a foretaste of what will be when our railroad connections are made. The Charleston Railroad when completed (say, in about ninety days) will pour upon us another flood of travel. Property owners must prepare to welcome these strangers with fine or comfortable houses, should it suit their taste or interest to "pitch their tents" among us. A word to the wise is sufficient.
Feb. 28, 1857- Memphis & Charleston R.R. Almost Completed: We learn that two sets of hands are now actively engaged, day and night, in putting down at both ends of this road and the whole work will probably be completed about the 1-st of April. That is cheering news indeed! The completion of this great enterprise will send a thrill of delight from the Atlantic seaboard to the Mississippi River, and pour in upon our already steadily prospering city, a flood of commercial wealth. Let us prepare to realize our brilliant destiny.
From the Memhis Appeal 1857