History

Despite Landowners’ Holdout, Gainesville Midland Secured Land for Athens Extension

September 29, 2012 Todd DeFeo

Once the Gainesville Midland assumed control of the Gainesville, Jefferson and Southern Railroad in 1904, it set about converting the line to standard gauge and extending the line to Athens.

Athens Terminal Co. Helped Bring About Freight ‘Revolution’ in Athens

September 28, 2012 Todd DeFeo

The Athens Terminal Co. was incorporated on Oct. 4, 1906, as a commercial steam railroad company jointly owned by the Gainesville Midland Railway and Seaboard Air Line.

41 Years Later: Still Debating the Pros, Cons of Amtrak

September 28, 2012 Todd DeFeo

For 41 years, policymakers and the public have debated the benefits and pitfalls of Amtrak.

First Gainesville Midland Trains Rolled Out of Athens in November 1906

September 27, 2012 Todd DeFeo

Thursday, Nov. 1, 1906, was a momentous day for the city of Athens, Ga. The first Gainesville Midland train pulled into town.

Last Narrow Gauge Train From Jefferson, Ga., Signaled New Era for City

September 27, 2012 Todd DeFeo

It was midnight when the narrow gauge locomotive and its load eased out of Jefferson, Ga.

Amtrak Launches History Website

September 27, 2012 Railfanning.org News Wire

Amtrak certainly has an interesting history. Since its inception 41 years ago, Amtrak has ferried passengers across the country’s rail network. Its routes have ranged from cross-country hauls to speedier service between closer destinations. Amtrak, which has never turned an annual profit, this week launched a new website (history.amtrak.com) dedicated to the railroad’s history. The site includes digital copies of ads, timetables and images. “Amtrak is woven into the fabric of America, providing a vital transportation service to the nation and connecting families and communities as part of an amazing and unfolding history,” Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman said in

Despite Landowners’ Holdout, Gainesville Midland Secured Land for Athens Extension

Athens Terminal Co. Helped Bring About Freight ‘Revolution’ in Athens

41 Years Later: Still Debating the Pros, Cons of Amtrak

First Gainesville Midland Trains Rolled Out of Athens in November 1906

Last Narrow Gauge Train From Jefferson, Ga., Signaled New Era for City

Amtrak Launches History Website

Electric Locomotives Helped Miners Reach Depths of Earth

Flagstaff Statue Pays Homage to the Men Who Built the Railroads

Gainesville Midland No. 116

City honors switch operater for role in Civil War chase