I came across this newsclip recently, and thought it was interesting. There are two separate articles in this 1887 Ouachita Telegraph, from May 21st. Here is the second clip. As the article notes, this incident occurred approximately two miles to the west of Girard. This is known today as the present day community of Start.

May 21, 1887 Ouachita Telegraph

Man Arrested For Attempting to Wreck East Bound Mail Train Near Girard, 1887


“A Picayune special from Girard, dated May 14th says: A negro whose name is not reported was arrested yesterday and brought to Girard for attempting to wreck the east bound mail train over the Vicksburg, Shreveport, and Pacific Railroad, due here at 7 PM yesterday.” 


“The villain was detected in the act of tying a rail on the track, about two miles west of Girard. He was probably taken to Rayville last night and lodged in jail. Nothing is known of the man’s motive for attempting to commit a crime that if successful would have imperiled the lives of many.”