John, I think the soldier's letter was right from what you have given me, and I just found found the following: "The MISSISSIPPI, QUACHITA & RED RIVER RAILROAD, intented as a connection between the Mississippi River and Dooley's Ferry on the Red River, was incorporated on August 12, 1852 and is considered the oldest railroad in the state; however, serious construction did not begin on this route until after 1875, and then under another name". Sounds like they did no serious construction, but they must have moved some dirt around in the 1850's. Thanks R.D.