The line has a long and interesting history and an exciting future
Railroads have a deep connection to the Mississippi Delta. Not only have they carried famous Bluesmen to destinations far and wide, they played integral roles in the growth and development of Bolivar County.
The Great River Railroad has gone through many changes in its storied past. According to Rosedale Mayor, Jack Coleman, its beginnings trace back all the way to 1889. Coleman said “Charles Scott, an influential, wealthy planter and landowner in the area, hoped the railroad would eventually take over transportation needs from the steamboat era.” Coleman added Scott saw where the eastern side of the county had gotten rail service in the early 1880’s and he wanted to ensure the economic progress of the western part of Bolivar County. Coleman noted “There was actually passenger service until the 1930’s and the line connected with other railways at Friars Point in Coahoma County to the north and the old C&G railroad at Metcalf in Washington County to the south.” Freight service revolved around agricultural products of the area and the transfer of cargo from steamships and other river going vessels.
As time passed and the economy changed, the railroad fought to survive. It received a boost in the late 1970’s as the Rosedale/Bolivar County Port became fully operational. However, industry needs shifted over the years, moving more to highway based shipping of products. The line was eventually embargoed around 2001, which is its present day status.
Robert Maxwell, Rosedale Bolivar County Port Director, explained “The embargo indicates the line is not in active use but it is not considered as abandoned.” He added the Port Commission still owns the rail and right of way from the northern terminus at the port to its connection with active rail lines at Metcalf, just over 30 miles to the south near Greenville.
In 2020, the Bolivar County Board of Supervisors reaffirmed their commitment to reactivating the railroad spur, a pledge that continues to this day. Maxwell stated, “The Port Commission and the Board of Supervisors have sought and will continue to seek both federal and state funding to rehabilitate and reopen the railroad.” He noted that, along with the promise of Interstate 69 in the years ahead, intermodal transportation access will be vital to the future growth of the port and the county in general.
Maxwell concluded, “We have taken a big step toward making the reopening of the Great River Railroad a reality by recently securing both federal and state funding. About two years ago, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith helped obtain nearly $8.2 million in funding. Also, Bolivar County native and Mississippi Department of Transportation Chairman, Willie Simmons, recently helped procure an additional $2.1 million through the state’s Strategic Multimodal Transportation Fund.” Although Maxwell stressed the project will take time to complete, he is nonetheless grateful for the monetary assistance and knows it will provide a big jumpstart to the rehabilitative efforts.
Current industries at the port include Cives Steel, CGB grain and barge, Simplot, Helena Chemical, Dreyfus Commodities, Farmer’s Grain and Jantran. Maxwell said most of the existing industries would benefit from rail service. Furthermore, future industrial recruitment efforts would be greatly enhanced by an active line.
The railroad revitalization project is another example of the commitment of local, state and federal officials to move Mississippi, the Delta and Bolivar County forward in years ahead. Although no specific timetable is currently slated, the funding will allow for meaningful work to begin soon.