Western Railway of Alabama

The Central of Georgia Railway, formed from its predecessor, The Central Rail Road and Banking Company of Georgia in 1895 was a dominant force in the economic life of Georgia and parts of Alabama through the mid-twentieth century. Through its many branch and subsidiary lines, land holding companies, and agricultural experimentation, it controlled much of the region's transportation and was a strong influence in the rural development of the area.

(Cont.) The Western Railroad of Alabama was incorporated on February 23, 1860 and ran a tenth of 161 miles. The panic of 1872 brought financial hardship to the company, and on April 1, 1874 the road was placed in receivership. The following year the Company was sold under foreclosure in a joint venture between the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company and the Central Rail Road and Banking Company of Georgia. However, the Western Railroad of Alabama continued to operate as an independent company.

(Cont.) In 1881, the Western Railroad of Alabama came under the control of the Central Rail Road and Banking Company of Georgia which maintained one-half interest in the Western for 99 years. In 1884, the company name was changed to Western Railway of Alabama.

(Cont.) In the 1890s, the Central of Georgia Railway lost its controlling shares in the Western Railway of Alabama to creditors. Then in 1898, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad acquired half interest in the lease. Control of the Western Railway was held jointly by three companies until 1944 when the Central of Georgia sold its remaining shares and released its connection to the Western Railway.