Atlanta and West Point Rail Road Company

The Central of Georgia Railway, formed from its predecessor, The Central Railroad 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 Atlanta and LaGrange Railroad Company was incorporated on December 27, 1847 with the purpose to "buy, hold and sell real and personal property." The line ran from Atlanta, Georgia to LaGrange, Georgia. On December 14, 1849, the Atlanta and LaGrange Railroad extended its line to West Point, Georgia, near the Alabama border, and agreed to share this section with the Macon and Western Railroad. On December 22, 1857, the name was changed to the Atlanta and West Point Railroad Company.

(Cont.) On September 28, 1868, due to the circumstances of the Civil War, the Atlanta and West Point was relieved of its taxes from the years 1866 and 1867 in order to recover financially. By 1892, the Central Railroad and Banking Company and the Georgia Railroad owned the majority of the stock in the Company, thus controlling the operations. During the next few years the Central defaulted on its rental payments, causing it to lose control of the Atlanta and West Point. In 1901, the Atlanta and West Point was leased by the now reorganized Central of Georgia Railway. The Central remained in control as the principal stockholder until 1944, when it disposed of its stock releasing the Central's hold over the Company.