I am looking for the history on the Seaboard Coast Line which runs through Vidalia, GA. I would like to know where it originated and when it was established.

Thanks!

J. Lally

-- J. Lally (lallyjo@hotmail.com), May 18, 2000

Answers

There was also a line coming out of Macon into Videlia on the former SCL. This line was once the Macon, Dublin & Savannah, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the SAL since the early 1900s (ACL bought the MD&S first and didn't want it!). The MD&S was integrated into the SAL in 1958 and I'd guess it was headquartered in Macon, although I guess the "home office" might have been in Videlia. Anybody know?

-- Bud Leggett (leggettd@dartnet.peachnet.edu), June 12, 2001.

The SCL line through Vidalia, Ga., originated as the AMERICUS, PRESTON & LUMPKIN R.R., opened March 1, 1886. In January 1889 the AP&L was reorganised as the SAVANNAH, AMERICUS & MONTGOMERY R.R., "The SAM Route". The first trains ran to Montgomery, Ala., via Abbeville and Richmond, Ga., in April 1892. The portion of the line from Lyons to Savannah, Ga., was leased from the Central of Georgia in 1893 On July 29, 1895, the SA&M, in receivership, was succeeded by the GEORGIA & ALABAMA R.R., which was organised by persons affiliated with the Seaboard System of R.R.s. The G&A came under control and was operated by the SEABOARD AIR LINE R.R. from July 1900. The SAL was merged into the SCL in July 1967.

-- Tom Underwood (tlunder@attglobal.net), May 18, 2000.