Central of Georgia
Welcome to the Central of Georgia railroad
repair shops of Savannah
You are entering the heart of the Central of
Georgia railroad complex in Savannah. This
" miniature city " produced much of what was
needed for the construction and repair of
locomotives and train cars. It handled
administration, passenger and freight activities.
Most of these 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. The move from steam
to diesel locomotives shifted work to the
Macon complex. The Savannah facilities
closed in 1963.
Today the complex is owned by the City of
Savannah. The Coastal Heritage Society began
restoration and rehabilitation activities in 1989.
This massive effort continues along with
increasing visitor opportunities. In 1996, the
Georgia State Legislature designated it the
Georgia State Railroad Museum.
( Bottom )
[ Timeline ]
1893 State of Georgia charters
Central Railroad and Canal Company •
1836 Railroad shops construction begins
north of Louisville Road •
1843 Railroad track to Macon completed •
1855 Railroad shops completed south
of Louisville Road •
1866 Repairs made after Civil War damage •
1895 Central Railroad enters receivership;
reorganizes as the Central of Georgia
Railway •
1910 Macon rail shops built •
1923 Fire partially destroys Savannah shops •
1927 Company builds employee hospital in
Savannah •
1940 First use of Diesel locomotives •
1952 End of steam locomotive use •
1963 Southern Railway buys and closes
Savannah shops •
1967 Citizens commission begins acquiring site •
1972 City of Savannah acquires site •
1978 Passenger station and rail shops designated
National Landmark District
Marker is on W. Jones St. near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd..
Courtesy hmdb.org
