| This depot was built by the New Orleans-Great Northern in about 1921, and it was subsequently owned by the Gulf Mobile & Northern, Gulf Mobile & Ohio, and Illinois Central Gulf, although its use as a open agency ended before the 1972 merger of the IC and GM&O. The Illinois Central used the depot from the time it was constructed until it abandoned operation between Covington and Hammond in 1933. The building's brick construction reflected Covington's status as a Parish seat and the largest community along the Shore Line Branch, as the other depots along the line were wood.In 1930 the GM&N introduced the New Orleans-Covington ST. TAMMANY SPECIAL, a new Brill gasoline-electric motor train featuring a parlor-observation car; but this didn't last long. The Great Depression, increasing automobile ownership, and better roads all took their toll on railroad passenger service here, as well as most other branch lines. Throughout the 1930's service we provided by motorcars, including some leased from the Burlington Route. In 1939 the motorcar service was replaced by busses operated by GM&N subsidiary Gulf Transport. The building is located on North New Hampshire Street, between East Lockwood and East Kirkland; and has been used for various commercial purposes since the early 1980's. |