Amory Railroad Festival

Amory is the perfect site for a railroad festival, because Amory's very existence is due to the railroad. The town was established by the K.C.M.&B. Railroad (Kansas City, Memphis

& Birmingham) at the halfway point between Memphis and Birmingham and named for railroad magnate, Harcourt Amory. The K.C.M.&B. eventually became the Frisco, which in turn was purchased

by the Burlington Northern in the 1970's. The BN merged with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in 1995, resulting in the current BNSF Railway.
The town of Amory was plotted and the first lots were sold at auction in November 1887. Incorporation followed in 1888. People rushed in to buy

property and the new railroad town was on its way!
Then, along came the Mississippian Railway, which still operates daily. It is a 25-mile short line railroad operating between Fulton and Amory, where it connects with the BNSF. The Mississippian, which is operated by Homan Industries, was presented the Golden Box Car Award for its achivement as being one of the best managed short line railroads in the nation. Steeped in history, the Mississippian was built

during the early 1920's and continues today as a viable, cost-effective means of transportation for Homan as well as other industries.
The Amory Railroad Festival was begun in 1979 and has been held every year since. It has been a huge success! The event attracts upwards of 60,000 visitors each year and has been cited by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Region's Top 29

events. The festival takes place in aptly named Frisco Park, located directly in front of City Hall, which was once the Frisco building. By the way, an Amory city ordinance prohibits the presence of pets in Frisco Park. The Amory Railroad Festival Committee plans to stage the very best festival ever, featuring outstanding entertainment, delectable food and quality arts and crafts. It's a real railroad festival, including real hobos at a campfire! This year, BNSF Railway will display a brand spanking new locomotive! Bring the whole family and plan to spend at least one full day in Amory. Ya'll come! Ya heah?

Railroad Festival T-shirts are for sale at Cadence Bank, Community Bank, Renasant Bank, Amory Federal Savings & Loan Association, and Amory Housing Authority
Shirts are $15; $20 for 2x& 3x