Georgia Railroad Museum
discover the history of a key southeastern railroad
Located in Tricentennial Park in Savannah, the Georgia Railroad Museum is a portal into the history of transportation in the United States. The Georgia Railroad has a long history dating back to the mid 1800’s, and visitors today can enjoy walking through the museum space and learning all about the railroad’s operations that have shaped Georgia’s history for almost two decades.
There is no shortage of things to see while at the museum; visitors can enjoy a trip back to the mid 1800’s with exhibitions showing off original rail cars, handcars, and even attend site tours of the steam and diesel locomotives. With the extensive history of the Georgia State Railroad, this activity can keep visitors engaged for hours as they learn about the past, present, and future of railroad technology, and see each decade’s innovative designs leading to present day practices. Antique machinery, a print shop from the 1950’s, and images of the Central of Georgia Railroad throughout its history line the museum exhibits. This, coupled with the massive 85’ turntables, the office cars and cabooses on exhibition, to the model train layouts, creates an experience through the facility that is fun for adults and children alike.
The Georgia State Railroad Museum was established at the site of the former Central of Georgia Railway Roundhouse and Repair Shops Complex. This complex’s primary significance is tied to being the country’s best attempt at housing a comprehensive facility, integrating railroad repair activities, administration efforts, and while also being a passenger and freight facility all in one central location. The Repair Shop was in operation from the 1830’s through 1963 and served as the primary repair center for the Central of Georgia Railway. At this time, diesel engines had become the new standard over steam powered engines, thereby reducing the workload passing through the shop, which led to its eventual closure in 1963.
Shortly after the Repair Shop closed its doors, demolition efforts began to remove its existing buildings. Concerned citizens, who recognized the historical importance of the Repair Shop, banded together to stop any further demolition. These efforts did not go unnoticed, and in 1978, ownership of a portion of the Repair Shop’s facility was transferred to the City of Savannah. To this day, 13 of its original buildings are still standing. Shortly after the demolition efforts ended, the site was deemed a National Historic Landmark.
The site gained popularity through the years following, and in 1989, the Academy Award winning movie Glory was filmed on site. Traction grew, and the site became a top destination for tourists, and in the same year, it opened its doors as the Georgia State Railroad Museum.
The Repair Shop Complex is, in itself, a prime example of Victorian railroad design. Though parts of it were demolished prior to being recognized as a historic landmark, it remains the most intact representation of 1800’s railway architecture to this day. The facility’s train shed is the longest surviving train shed structure with a long spanning trussed roof in the United States.
