The Georgia State Railroad Museum, located in Savannah, Georgia, stands as a testament to the golden age of American railroading and the pivotal role the Central of Georgia Railway played in the region’s industrial and economic development. Its origins trace back to the early 19th century, when the Central Rail Road and Canal Company was chartered in 1833. By 1843, it had become the longest continuous railroad under one management in the world, connecting Savannah to the interior of Georgia and beyond. The museum’s site, however, was developed later, with construction of the Savannah Shops and terminal facilities beginning in 1853. These facilities served as the primary repair and manufacturing hub for the Central of Georgia Railway, making it the largest employer in Savannah for much of its operational history.
The complex is renowned as the most complete antebellum railroad repair facility still in existence in the United States. It includes a partial roundhouse with an operating turntable, machine shops, blacksmith shops, and other historic structures that tell the story of railroad innovation and labor during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The site was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, recognizing its significance in American industrial history.
After the decline of steam power and the rise of diesel locomotives, the Savannah Shops closed in 1963. The site was transferred to the City of Savannah and, by 1989, was transformed into the Georgia State Railroad Museum through the efforts of the Coastal Heritage Society. Today, the museum offers visitors a chance to explore historic locomotives, railcars, and interactive exhibits, including a working handcar and guided tours by train. It also serves as an active preservation space, where staff continue to restore and maintain historic buildings and rolling stock.
The museum’s collection includes some of the oldest southern-made steam engines, as well as diesel locomotives and rolling stock from the Central of Georgia Railway and other regional lines. Exhibits and tours delve into the technological advancements, labor history, and social impact of railroading, including the roles of women and African-American workers. The site’s preservation and educational programs make it a vital resource for understanding the evolution of rail transportation and its enduring legacy in the American South.
This information was generated using AI based on up-to-date sources as of February 2026.
