Amory is the perfect setting 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 Frisco, which in turn was purchased by the Burlington Northern in the 1970s. The BN merged with the Santa Fe, resulting in the current Burlington Northern - Santa Fe Railway (BNSF).
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!
The Amory Railroad Festival was begun in 1979 and has been held every year since. The festival attracts upwards of 60,000visitors each year and has been cited by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Region's Top 20 events.
2010 will be no exception. The Amory Railroad Festival Committee plans to stage the very best festival ever, featuring outstanding entertainment, delectable food and quality arts and crafts. Bring the whole family and plan to spend at least one full day in Amory. Ya'll come!
