Down Among The Sugar Cane : The Story of Louisiana Sugar Plantations and Their Railroads

Fascinating book on the Louisiana sugar cane plantations and their narrow gauge railways, a complex cultural construct that lasted until the 1960s when trucks and tractors replaced the trains and human laborers. The author, based on more than ten years of research and personal interviews, provides detailed information on over 40 plantations, their operations and their railways (with locomotive and rolling stock rosters). Illustrated throughout with black and white photos. With map of the Louisiana Sugar District and list of factories and refineries (alphabetically, numerically and by railroad location). "W. E. Butler's book on sugar plantations and their railroads, about one of Louisiana's oldest and most prestigious industries, covers a period of some 200 years. His authoritative, yet easy to read text, with many photographs, gives a vivid picture of the working sugar plantations from their beginning to the present time. Basic to their success were the little narrow gauge steam railroads, of which the author shows a remarkable knowledge, sharing it with the reader in an understandable manner. This book should form an important link with our history of this era." James E. Fitzmorris, Jr., Former Lt. Governor of Louisiana. With extensive bibliography. 266 pages.