| Heading up a freight drag that is crossing the Hiwassee River is L&N #2764 built by GE in February of 1974. This bridge, originally built in 1890, and later rebuilt in 1902, is on what is known as the "Hook and Eye Route" on the old L & N Railroad. The "Old Line Railroad" that this spur connects to, was originally built in 1890 by the Knoxville Southern Railroad Company that linked Knoxville, TN to Marietta, Georgia. In 1902 the Louisville and Nashville (L&N) Railroad took ownership of the Old Line. When current owner CSX decided to end service to the Copper Basin, the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association, a non-profit organization, purchased the tracks for preservation in 2002. In the summer and fall, excursions are run on the route, which includes the historic Hiwassee Loop T.R. Shultz photo |