South Wind (train)

The South Wind was a streamlined passenger train operated jointly by the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad (L&N) between Chicago, Illinois, and Miami, Florida. It operated from 1940 to 1971. The train provided a faster and more luxurious alternative to other existing routes between the Midwest and Florida, especially for reaching the west coast of Florida via a connection in Jacksonville.

The South Wind offered coach and Pullman sleeping car accommodations. The Pennsylvania Railroad handled the train between Chicago and Louisville, Kentucky, while the L&N took over operations south of Louisville. The route traveled through scenic areas of Kentucky and Tennessee.

Notable features included streamlined locomotives and rolling stock, dining cars, and observation cars. The train's schedule was designed to provide convenient overnight service, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and efficient way to reach Florida.

The South Wind's popularity declined in the late 1960s due to increasing competition from airlines and the Interstate Highway System. The train was eventually discontinued on May 2, 1971, following the creation of Amtrak. Amtrak briefly revived a Chicago-Florida route under the Floridian name, which served as a partial successor to the South Wind, but it did not follow the exact same route or offer the same level of service. The South Wind remains a fondly remembered example of streamlined passenger rail travel in the mid-20th century.