Central of Georgia

The Central of Georgia railroad repair shops in Savannah formed the heart of the Central of Georgia railroad complex, a miniature city that produced much of what was needed for the construction and repair of locomotives and train cars while also handling administration, passenger, and freight activities. Most of the buildings were constructed in the 1850's or 1920's. The Central of Georgia was a major employer and a driving economic force in the state and region. Railroad shops construction began north of Louisville Road in 1836, track to Macon was completed in 1843, and shops were completed south of Louisville Road in 1855. Repairs were made after Civil War damage in 1866. After entering receivership in 1895, the railroad reorganized as the Central of Georgia Railway, Macon rail shops were built in 1910, fire partially destroyed the Savannah shops in 1923, and the company built an employee hospital in Savannah in 1927. The first use of diesel locomotives came in 1940, steam locomotive use ended in 1952, and the shift from steam to diesel locomotives moved work to the Macon complex. Southern Railway bought and closed the Savannah facilities in 1963. Citizens began acquiring the site in 1967, the City of Savannah acquired it in 1972, and in 1978 the passenger station and rail shops were designated a National Landmark District. The complex is now owned by the City of Savannah, restoration and rehabilitation began in 1989 under the Coastal Heritage Society, and in 1996 the Georgia State Legislature designated it the Georgia State Railroad Museum.

Savannah, Georgia · United States