Montgomery developers were not far behind those in North Alabama for by 1832 a line to the Chattahoochee River was under consideration; although having to overcome many obstacles, it finally wound its way to its destination, reaching West Point, Georgia, on May 1, 1851. In the meantime, Montgomery had become state capital, and a new era had dawned. With both the railroad and the seat of state government came new people, goods, ideas, all of which contributed to the many changes Montgomery experienced.

By the time of the Civil War, progress was underway on other rail lines; the Montgomery-Eufaula line was under construction to the lower Chattahoochee River while the Alabama and Florida connected Pensacola and the Gulf coast to Montgomery. The Montgomery & Eufaula RR was not however completed or put in regular use until after the War. At the conclusion of the conflict, railroad beds and rolling stock were in great disrepair, but it was not long before the urge to repair and expand existing lines were strong throughout the region as was the desire and intent to open and build others. During Reconstruction, a need long recognized was realized with the completion of the North and South Railroad, which linked the northern part of the state with Montgomery providing through service to South Alabama.

Map showing Montgomery’s Confederate defenses as well as railroad routes in the city.
Credit: Old Alabama Rails Collection

The day of the railroad was at hand, and Montgomery was eager and ready to be an integral part of the grand adventure. Its citizens’ money helped develop the mineral regions and the construction of railroads that would carry the products of industrialization to all parts of the country. While there were scandals and misappropriations, many hands worked honest, long, backbreaking hours, laying rails, repairing stock and carrying out the many tasks which were to bring wealth and prestige to some, goods to others and provide employment for thousands.