News

Archives Reveal Importance of Marietta and North Georgia Railway

09/24/2007

KENNESAW, GA �The development of a railway system following the Civil War was critical in north Georgia’s economic survival and business growth. An exhibit featuring archives from the period will open at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in October.

“The month of October will be celebrated as Georgia Archives Month 2007,” explained Sallie Loy, Senior Archivist with the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History. “The theme for this year, ‘Georgia History: Stay Tuned,’ was designated to educate the citizens of Georgia on how local and regional archives can have a direct impact on their daily lives.”

In conjunction with Georgia Archives Month, the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History Archives and Library will present an exhibit entitled “The Economic Impact of the Marietta and North Georgia Railway in Post-Civil War Georgia.” This exhibit will run October 1 through November 2 and is free with Museum admission.

The exhibit demonstrates how the discovery of marble in Pickens County, Georgia, led to tremendous growth in the region in the years after the Civil War. Developers faced the monumental problem of how to ship north Georgia marble, as well as copper from Tennessee, to their customers. Thus was born the concept of a railroad to run from Marietta, Georgia, to the areas of Georgia and Tennessee that held the rich mineral deposits. The exhibit further delves into the history of the Marietta and North Georgia Railway’s connection with Glover Machine Works, offering a unique aspect of north Georgia rail development during the Reconstruction era, and the resulting economic boom in the region. Businesses in Woodstock, Canton, Ball Ground, Tate, Nelson, Ellijay, Copperhill, and Ducktown used the line for the transportation of their goods. The railroad was also responsible for the establishment of the town of Blue Ridge in Fannin County.

Those interested can get more information at www.southernmuseum.org or call the Archives & Library at (770) 427-2117, extension 3184.

A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the Southern Museum features collections of rare Civil War weapons, uniforms, and other personal items; an exciting exhibit about The Great Locomotive Chase, including a short movie; a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war; and through May, a traveling exhibit featuring photographs of the people who dedicated their lives to the railroad.

The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273. Click here for visitor information, or call (770) 427-2117.