Equipped with pine rails that warped out of shape and running at a speed often exceeded by mule wagons, the Rusk tram began operations in 1875. Bypassed two years earlier by another railroad, citizens rejoiced over the tram. Rolling stock included a used streetcar, three flatcars and a steam engine called the "Cherokee". Passengers often had to help replace the train on its tracks before it reached the end of its 16-mile line at Jacksonville. In 1879 the tram was sold. It had fostered growth by helping attract industry to the area.