The original plans were to build a line from Knoxville westward through Lebanon, Nashville, and Memphis to Jackson, Mississippi, where it would interconnect with westward-leading railroads to the Pacific Coast.
Plagued by difficulties in raising enough financing, the company finally began construction in June 1869 of the 29-mile line between Lebanon and Nashville.
"[1] The segment opened in September 1871 in time to convey passengers to the Wilson County Fair.
Headquartered in Lebanon, the fledgling railroad erected a sprawling Victorian-style passenger and freight station, combined with the general offices.
Major cargo from local farmers included lumber, butter, flour, and other agricultural products which were shipped to markets in Nashville, where another station house was erected in 1872.