The New Orleans, Opelousas and Great Western Railroad (NOO&GW) was chartered in 1852.

By 1857, the track had reached Brashear (now Morgan City) on Berwick Bay, and this remained the end of the line for over 20 years.

From the establishment of the company in 1852 until 1862, Benjamin Flanders (later Reconstruction Governor of Louisiana and Mayor of New Orleans) was the Secretary and Treasurer of the line.

When the rail did not reach Lafourche Crossing until November 1854 it was already clear the completion date was overly optimistic.

A 10 mile stretch of land referred to as "trembling prairie" meant piling and trestles had to be used on the rail bed almost the entire distance.