Picayune, MS (PIC)

The Picayune depot opened amid celebration in 2008. Its design is meant to evoke the look of a classic early-twentieth century passenger station, including a porte-cochere and waiting room.

200 Highway 11 South
Picayune, MS 39466

Annual Ticket Revenue (FY 2023): $157,884
Annual Station Ridership (FY 2023): 1,742

Ownerships
Routes Served
Contact
Local Community Links

Facility Ownership: City of Picayune
Parking Lot Ownership: City of Picayune
Platform Ownership: Norfolk Southern Railway
Track Ownership: Norfolk Southern Railway

Crescent

Todd Stennis
Regional Contact
governmentaffairsnol@amtrak.com
For information about Amtrak fares and schedules, please visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

The Picayune station was built with the look of a classic early-twentieth century passenger depot, including a porte-cochere and waiting room. The previous station was an open waiting area near the platform, similar to a gazebo. The cost to construct the center was mostly funded through a grant from the Federal Transit Administration, which paid for 80 percent of the estimated $875,000. The remaining 20 percent was paid for by the city. The ribbon cutting and grand opening for the Picayune Intermodal Transportation Center took place on Oct. 16, 2008.

The region around Picayune did not come under U.S. control until 1810; it had changed hands several times between the French and Spanish with the varying fortunes of the southeastern U.S.

In 1904, Picayune was incorporated as a township and in 1922 as a city. At the time, Picayune became a center for cattle ranching and the growing of tung trees. Tung oil was once a primary ingredient in creating fine waterproof varnishes for wood, and in much demand for both furniture and the marine industries.

After Hurricane Camille destroyed most of the tung orchards in 1969, the region turned to cattle as its main economic staple. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2006, many people who had lived closer to the Gulf of Mexico moved to Picayune, seeking a safer home and easy commute back to the Gulf Coast.

Mississippi State University’s Crosby Arboretum is at Picayune, and it is the premier native plant conservatory in the southeastern United States, providing protection for the region’s biodiversity as well as for the public’s education and enjoyment.