New Orleans, Louisiana to New York, New York
A Journey on to the Past (and back to New York)
New Orleans, Louisiana 1:02 pm (T -17:58)
NIKON D7100
f/8
18mm
100
1/250 secDeparting New Orleans
In January 2017, I embarked on a distinctive rail journey aboard Amtrak’s Crescent, traveling from the vibrant heart of New Orleans to the bustling streets of New York City. This route, rich in history, offered a unique perspective on the vast and varied landscapes of the eastern United States, though it came with its own set of challenges and unexpected delays.
NoLA Union Terminal 6:27am (T -0:31)
Historic Beginnings and Departure
The Crescent has a storied past, tracing its origins back to the early 20th century when it was operated by the Southern Railway as the Washington & Southwestern Vestibuled Limited. Today, it remains an important link between the deep South and the Northeastern corridor. My journey began in the early hours at New Orleans’ Union Passenger Terminal, an Art Deco marvel located in the shadow of the iconic Superdome. The station itself, a preserved relic from a bygone era, set a nostalgic tone for the trip.
Lake Pontchartrain, LA 7:54 am (T +0:54)
Crossing Lake Pontchartrain
As the train departed New Orleans, one of the first notable experiences was the slow journey across Lake Pontchartrain while I had breakfast in the dining car. This meal proved to be a highlight, not just for the food but for the views and the company. The dining car, part of Amtrak’s heritage fleet, was an original relic from before Amtrak’s creation, oozing with character and history. It has since been replaced by the newer Viewliner II cars. The staff’s kindness and leisurely service pace echoed the relaxed feeling of Southern hospitality, making the start of the trip particularly memorable.
Birmingham, Alabama 4:45pm (T +9:45)
The Journey Through the South
As we continued north, the scenery shifted from the water-bound expanses of Louisiana to less picturesque views of trackside industries in various states of disrepair. A somber moment occurred near Meridian, Mississippi, where our train was delayed due to a tragic incident involving a person on the tracks—a jarring experience that I had unfortunately encountered before on Amtrak.
The train rolled through Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas under the cover of darkness, which meant that much of the picturesque potential of the South was lost to the night. It wasn’t until we woke the following day that the landscape had transformed into the snowy vistas of the Northeast, presenting a stark contrast to the warm beginnings of our trip.
Washington D.C. 12:21pm (T +29:21)
A Change at Washington D.C.
In Washington D.C., there was a noticeable change as we switched from diesel to electric locomotives, a common practice for trains continuing north along the electrified tracks of the Northeast Corridor. This change also marked a shift in pace, as the remainder of the journey to New York City felt quicker and more direct.
Harrison, New Jersey 4:01pm (T +33:01)
Reflections on the Crescent Experience
I arrived 33 hours later and 2 1/2 hours late to Penn Station, New York City. Traveling from New Orleans to New York City on the Crescent was a memorable way to journey home, offering a peek into the varied cultures and climates of the eastern United States. However, the trip’s length and the limited scenery—as compared to Amtrak’s more visually stunning western routes—made it a challenging experience at times. Cabin fever set in towards the end, highlighting that while the Crescent offers a unique way to see parts of the country that are often overlooked, it might not be the best choice for someone’s first long-distance train adventure.
Overall, while the Crescent might lack the dramatic landscapes of Amtrak’s western trains, it still provides a fascinating slice of American rail history and the evolving life along its route, suitable for those looking to unwind and step back in time on the rails.