Georgia has a really special history with the railroad industry. The first railroad tracks in Georgia were laid in the 1830s, in Athens, Macon, Savannah, and Augusta. Georgia railroads grew immensely over those next 25 years, with Georgia officially becoming the state with the most rail miles than any other in the Deep South. Georgia also built a huge rail hub in Atlanta. Looking back on these vintage photos showcasing what the history of the railroad in Georgia once was is a great way to see what life was like during those historically important times.
This black-and-white photograph captures an intense look at the ruins that remain from the old Atlanta roundhouse.
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This photograph highlights Atlanta in 1864 as we witness the destruction of part of the Georgia Central Railroad during the Civil War.
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An important photographic capture of a Central of Georgia vintage train from Baldwin Locomotive in 1907.
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A look at Savannah, Georgia’s Central of Georgia Railway Passenger Station—one of the major hubs of the south.
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A memorable shot of the East and West shaking hands at laying the last rail of the Union Pacific Railroad.
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The shaky remains of the old Valdosta Railway bridge across the river.
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Atlanta, Georgia—1860s. Sherman’s men destroying railroad during the Civil War to give themselves an advantage.
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A vintage photo showing the State Square and Union Depot in Atlanta before 1865.
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The Burton Dam site in Rabun County, Georgia in 1918, which featured reconstruction of some parts of the railway.
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In 1913, a majority of the Tallulah Falls Railroad needed to be rerouted to make room for the construction of the Tallulah Dam. You can see the old rail to the right.
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Georgia sure does have a unique railroad history and we are absolutely proud of our state’s contributions. If you like learning about historical moments in Georgia’s history, then check out The 9 Most Horrifying Disasters That Ever Happened In Georgia.
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