| Georgia and Alabama Railroad | |
|---|---|
| Reporting mark | GAAB |
| Locale | Southeast Alabama, Southwest Georgia |
| Dates of operation | 1989–1995 |
| Predecessor | Norfolk Southern |
| Successor | Georgia Southwestern |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) (standard gauge) |
| Length | 79 miles (127 km) |
| Headquarters | Dawson, Georgia |
The Georgia and Alabama Railroad (reporting mark GAAB) was a shortline railroad formerly operating between Smithville, Georgia and White Oak, Alabama, 79 miles (127 km). RailTex consolidated its holdings in the area into the Georgia Southwestern in 1995, and the Georgia & Alabama ceased to exist.[1]
The Southwestern Railroad originally constructed the line west out of Smithville towards the Alabama state line, completing the railroad in 1860. The Southwestern was leased to the Central of Georgia in 1869 and completely integrated into the system in 1954.[2] The remainder of the line into Alabama was constructed by the Vicksburg & Brunswick from Eufaula to Clayton, Alabama, and became part of the Central of Georgia. An extension to Ozark was later built, however, it was abandoned in 1977.[3]
Eventually the Central of Georgia was acquired by the Southern, and later became part of Norfolk Southern. The line was cut back to White Oak February 28, 1986.[3] The Georgia & Alabama railroad began operation on June 1, 1989 under the Thoroughbred Shortline Program between Smithville and White Oak.[4]
Traffic included peanuts, aggregates, pulpwood, and cement, which generated approximately 3,300 annual carloads for the line in 1995. Interchange was made with Norfolk Southern at Smithville, CSX Transportation at Dawson until 1990, and fellow RailTex subsidiary Georgia Southwestern at Cuthbert. After 1990, the railroad interchanged with the Georgia Great Southern at Dawson.[4]
The Georgia & Alabama no longer existed in name after the division was merged into the Georgia Southwestern division of Railtex in 1995.[1]
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