History

Today, Athens, Georgia, is known for the University of Georgia, music, and football. But for nearly 45 years, streetcars were a defining part of daily life in the Classic City.

While the first train operated over a portion of the Western & Atlantic Railroad on December 24, 1842, 20 miles of the line did not go into regular operation until September 15, 1845, the same day the Georgia Railroad completed its line between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia.

By late 1859, after years of surveys, grading, and frustrated waiting, the Memphis, Clarksville & Louisville Railroad reached a long‑anticipated milestone: it began operating trains.