History of Georgia
Clark Howell, Atlanta 1926

In 1819 a steamboat began to ply from Milledgeville to Darien. Just two years earlier the first ocean steamer to cross the Atlantic had sailed from Savannah. It was owned by Savannah citizens. At this later period, of which we write [1825-1840], a system of state canals was under serious consideration. One was attempted to connect the Altamaha and the Ogeechee. It didn't prove a success. Then it was that attention turned to railroads.

In 1826, Wilson Lumpkin surveyed a route from Milledgeville to Chattanooga for a railroad to be operated by mule power. Steam locomotion came a few years later, and in 1836 and 1837 the work of building the "Central of Georgia" and the "Georgia" railroads was vigorously begun. The main object of both projects was to connect the uplands of Georgia with the deep water ports.

These railroads have been an important influence on Georgia history. If you are having difficulty finding your ancestors, look on a map to see the location and dates for nearby railroad construction. Follow the route of the railway, and see what options for travel your ancestors had.

Start with our Bibliography page And check out the navigable water routes map as well.

Don't forget, all Baldwin County pages have the bright blue navigation bar to help you find your way home. For the links that take you to other sites, simply use your browser's "BACK" button, to return to Baldwin County.

 

Railway Museums in Georgia

Another look at Railway Museums in Georgia

Guide to Railroad History Research at Virginia Tech

Ancestors gone to Gadsden? Here is why! The Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia Railway

The C G Railway Historical Society

Southern Railway History

CSX Railway History

Pictures of early Atlanta rail and trolley

 

and another sort of railroad...
Underground Railroad Freedom Center

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