First Locomotive Operates on the Western & Atlantic

July 20, 2026 Railfanning.org Digital Library

Overview

The first locomotive intended for the Western & Atlantic Railroad arrived in Georgia in 1845 after being hauled by wagon approximately 60 miles from Madison. After being assembled on the railroad, the locomotive made a special trip from Atlanta to Marietta on December 24.

Engineer W.F. Adair operated the train, which carried a number of local citizens eager to experience rail travel. The excursion drew considerable public interest, and visitors reportedly asked for the train to stop at the bridge over the Chattahoochee River so they could walk across the new structure.

The trip marked the beginning of locomotive operations on the state-owned Western & Atlantic Railroad and demonstrated the promise of rail transportation for Georgia’s growing interior.

Quick Facts

Date
Dec. 24, 1842

Associated Organizations

Sources

  1. Pioneer Citizens' History of Atlanta, 1833-1902

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