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Georgia Railroad Museums: A Complete Guide

Published: April 19, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The state of Georgia, with its rich tapestry of history and culture, offers a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of railroading through its diverse railroad museums. These museums serve not only as repositories of history but also as vibrant educational centers where visitors can immerse themselves in the technological advancements and societal impacts of railroads. Below, we delve into some of Georgia's premier railroad museums, offering insights into what each has to offer.

The SAM Shortline Excursion Train, located in Cordele, Georgia is another of the state's such attractions.

Georgia Museum Of Agriculture & Historic Village

This museum, based in Tifton, preserves the early history of Georgia's agriculture industry and what it was like to farmstead in the 19th century. They also have an operating tourist train on-site pulled by an authentic, narrow-gauge steamer (3-foot).

This locomotive, carrying a small 0-4-0ST wheel arrangement, was built by the Vulcan Iron Works of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania for the Rinehart & Dennis Company in February, 1917.

In addition, one other narrow-gauge locomotive can be found there, 0-4-0 #2 built for the Raritan River Sand Company by the H.K. Porter Company in January, 1925.

Finally, a scale locomotive (16-inch) is stored at the museum; 2-4-0 #721 was built by Arthur Mobley in 1924 as a replica of the locomotive involved in the Montparnasse derailment that occurred on October 22, 1895. The little locomotive was also featured in the film Hugo.

Georgia State Railroad Museum

The Georgia State Railroad Museum (previously known as the "Roundhouse Railroad Museum") is based inside the Central of Georgia's old roundhouse and shops in Savannah.

The significance of this facility cannot be understated as it was completed in 1853 (nearly 10 years prior to the Civil War's outbreak).

Along with the aforementioned buildings other structures preserved on-site include part of the machine shop, tender frame shop, blacksmith shop, boiler house, storehouse, lumber and planning sheds, coach shop, paint shop, and a section of the original carpentry shop.

According to their website the facility, "is believed to be the largest and most complete antebellum railroad repair facility still in existence, in the world."

They also house quite a collection of preserved steam locomotives, including Macon Iron & Paper Stock 0-4-0T #30 which is operational (manufactured by Alco's Roger Works in 1913). The museum is open nearly year-round except on major holidays.

Okefenokee Heritage Center

This museum is located in Waycross and aims to preserve local history, ranging from Native American heritage to the first courthouse in Waycross.

The organization specifically highlights the counties of Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Pierce, and Ware. Of their many display pieces are three examples of rolling stock and 2-8-2 #9 (named "Okefenokee Chief"), manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1912 for the Rockton & Rion Railway.

This historic short line operated a 12-mile stretch of track in Fairfield County, South Carolina. Its purpose was to serve the Anderson Quarry where it hauled sand and gravel back to a connection with the Southern Railway and Rockton.

After many years of service freight operations ceased on August 21, 1981. Today, the South Carolina Railroad Museum owns the entire 12-mile right-of-way and has placed 5 miles back into service for excursions available to the public.

Southeastern Railway Museum

This Southeastern Railway Museum is one of Georgia's preeminent facilities. It is located in Duluth and houses a large collection of rolling stock and various railroad displays; so large, in fact, that no other museum in the state can boast such an impressive fleet of preserved steam locomotives.

None of these iron horses are operational although it is said that Atlanta & West Point 4-6-2 #290 (manufactured by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1926) is currently under restoration.

Other notable steamers on location include:

An 0-4-0F (fireless) built for the National Cash Register Corporation by Lima in 1913 (named Dayton it carried no number).

Richmond & Danville (Southern) 0-4-4RT #1509 (named Maud it was manufactured by Burnham, Parry, Williams [Baldwin] in 1880).

Georgia Power 0-6-0T #97 (built by H.K. Porter in 1943).

Gainesville Midland 2-10-0 #203 (manufactured by Baldwin in 1928).

Chatahoochee Valley 2-8-0 #21 (built by Baldwin in 1924).

Red River & Gulf 4-4-0 #104 (named the General II it was built by Baldwin in 1919).

Savannah & Atlanta 4-6-2 #750 (built by American Locomotive in 1910).

Campbell Limestone 2-Truck Heisler (55-ton) #9 manufactured in 1923.
They also offer excursions throughout the year.

Southern Museum Of Civil War & Locomotive History

As its name implies this museum, located in Kennesaw, tells the history of the Civil War and how it affected the South.  They also bring to light how railroads aided in the war. 

Their most famous piece is one of the country's most famous locomotives, the 4-4-0 "General" involved in the legendary "Andrew's Raid."  Otherwise known as the "Great Locomotive Chase" this event has unfolded during the early years of the Civil War. 

It was an attempt by Union forces and sympathizers to destroy railroad infrastructure north of Atlanta, Georgia in hopes of eventually capturing the strategic city of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The celebrity locomotive was owned by the Western & Atlantic Railroad. The "American" 4-4-o was commandeered by James Andrews himself (leader of the raid) and used throughout the chase where he traveled northward from Atlanta causing as much damage as he could.

Unfortunately, the hasty Union plans were too slow and disorganized to cause serious damage and most of those involved were eventually captured. 

Thronateeska Heritage Center

This history museum, based in Albany, generally looks to preserve the history of town and surrounding region. 

Today, it is known for its historic preservation (including the History Museum, Georgia Museum of Surveying & Mapping, and South Georgia Archives Research Center) and science departments (which include the Wetherbee Planetarium and Science Museum). 

It began in 1974 when it was formed as a a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization for the purpose of preserving the city's union station which was in danger of being demolished. 

This facility had been completed in 1912 (constructed of brick) and was used for many years by the Central of Georgia, Seaboard Air Line, Atlantic Coast Line, Georgia Northern, and Albany & Northern. 

Of their featured railroad exhibits be sure to see a small collection of rolling stock and a preserved steam locomotives, Georgia Northern 4-6-2 #107, a 1911 product of American Locomotive.  Indoors you can also find an operating model train layout.

Overview

Georgia's railroad museums present an exceptional way to dive into the past, showcasing intricate engineering marvels and echoing stories from the age of steam and iron. They preserve the vital role rail travel played in economic and community life while offering hands-on, educational experiences. Each museum and excursion train tells its own unique story, inviting guests to step back in time and appreciate the innovative spirit that once drove the nation forward on steel tracks.

Whether you're a die-hard rail fan or a curious explorer, Georgia's railroad museums provide a compelling journey through time, illuminating the influential legacy of railroads in the American South. These venues serve as dynamic historical classrooms, where every visitor can gain insight into how the rails mapped not only the geography of the land but also the destiny of the people who relied on them.