Heart of Georgia Railroad

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The Heart of Georgia Railroad (AAR reporting marks HOG) was founded in December 1999, to operate track between Vidalia, Georgia, and Mahrt, Alabama. After starting operations in 2000, the railroad ran between Rochelle, Georgia, and Preston, Georgia, reaching Vidalia later that year. As of 2003, the railroad was still attempting to rehabilitate a 42 mile line between Preston and Mahrt (Former Seaboard Air Line). As of March 2008, no progress had taken place on the rehabilitation project. Rails remain passable to Tolleston Lumber Co. just East of Preston, Ga. It has been suggested that the Heart of Georgia railroad does not intend to re-open the line, and the majority of grade crossings have been paved over. In addition to decayed ties and rusted rails, severe weed growth has choked the former right of way.

Although Heart of Georgia Railroad marketing suggests passable track still exists in Preston, it is untrue. Little local industry exists along the length of the line from Preston to Mahrt/Cottonton, Ala. aside from a small manufacturing plant in Eastern Richland. Mead Paper was the primary revenue source for the Georgia Southwestern Railroad when it controlled the line.

Since the formation of the HOG Railroad, it has attracted several new customers, this has allowed freight traffic to surge. The SAM (Savannah, Americus, and Montgomery) shortline excursion train operates over the line, often taking passengers to and from Georgia Veterans State Park, Leslie, Americus, Plains(Archery), and a little less often to Vidalia, Savannah, Dublin, Columbus, Helena-McRae, Claxton, Macon, Albany, Thomasville, Camilla, Cuthbert, Arlington, and Bainbridge.