Central of Georgia Depot, Andalusia Alabama

Date added: February 15, 2025

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The Central of Georgia Depot, built in 1899, at Andalusia, Alabama is a fine example of a small, late 19^th century board and batten train station. This depot was designed and built for the Central of Georgia Railroad Company and is the last remaining commercial building of wooden construction in Andalusia.

The railroad brought modern transportation and increased prosperity to the town of Andalusia by making available the means to export finished lumber, logs and timber, naval stores and agricultural products. Several new wholesale houses and businesses were opened near the depot. Also, the railroad was the major factor that caused the population of Andalusia to double, in one year, to 596. This form of modern transportation provided many new commercial opportunities not readily available to Andalusia prior to the coming of the railroad.

For several years before the coming of the railroad, local businessmen had realized the impact that the railroad could have on the Andalusia area's economy, and they worked hard to secure rail service for their community. In order to encourage the railroads to extend their lines to Andalusia, several local businessmen posted a $5,000.00 prize for the railroad that could reach the town first. One such businessman was J. M. Prestwood, who deeded five acres to the Central of Georgia Railroad Company.

Two companies joined in a race to claim the prize; the Central of Georgia Railroad and the Alabama-Florida Railroad. The Central of Georgia Railroad Company laid the last section of track into Andalusia on September 20^th, 1899, ten days ahead of schedule, and claimed the prize.

In one year the population of Andalusia doubled to 596. It continued to expand so that by 1920 the population of Andalusia had reached 2,480. The railroad brought businessmen, investors, and their families to the area. It provided the means to export finished lumber, logs and timber, naval stores and agricultural products. Numerous wholesale houses and new businesses sprang up near the depot. The coming of the Central of Georgia Railroad brought prosperity to the town of Andalusia.

Building Description

The Central of Georgia Depot is located at the terminus of a line that extends to Andalusia, Alabama from Columbus, Georgia and is identified as Station S-429-1. The depot is situated on a parcel of land containing five acres. The design of the building is similar in character and shape to those that were built in the rural communities along this line during the 1890s.

Located in the downtown commercial district of Andalusia, Alabama, the Central of Georgia Depot is a one-story, wood frame building measuring 31.5 feet by 97 feet. The exterior is of board and batten siding. The gabled roof is covered with asbestos tile and is punctuated with three brick flues. The front two rooms that were used for passenger waiting rooms have separate entrances and have three double-hung, six-over-six windows each. The middle room, or agent's office, spans the width of the building and has entrances on each side. A bay window protrudes from the south side of this room with four windows, each four-over-four with double hung sashes. The north end of the room has a double hung six-over-six window. All windows are protected with burglar bars. The freight room comprises the remainder of the building. The north and south sides of this area are serviced by large freight doors with one on the east end. The gable on the east end contains a single sash with twelve lites. A narrow loading platform runs the length of the freight area on the north side. The main track runs along the south side of the depot with a house-track on the north side.