Chartered by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1850, the L&N grew into one of the great success stories of American railroading. Operating under one name continuously for 132 years, it survived the Civil War and economic depression and several waves of industry changes. As one of the premier southern railroads, the "Old Reliable" expanded its footprint far beyond its namesake cities, covering 13 states and stretching to St. Louis, Memphis, Atlanta, and New Orleans.