The Central of Georgia complex is not only noteworthy as one of the most complete historic railroad facilities worldwide, but is also significant for its integrated design, incorporating passenger, freight, and repair service as well as design and corporate offices into a single 33.2-acre site. Construction of the integrated facility began in 1851 under William Wadley, superintendent and self-taught engineer (and later president of the Central). Wadley had previously served as superintendent of public works on Cockspur Island during construction of Fort Pulaski (15.4.2) in the 1840s. Many of the Central’s buildings and structures are attributed to Augustus Schwaab and Martin P. Muller, although their work can be verified in only a few cases.
The complex includes the Central’s repair shops (1851–1946), which were capable of fabricating parts and making repairs, including construction of new rolling stock, passenger cars, and even several steam locomotives. The only operation not handled here was iron and steel casting, which was outsourced to Savannah’s foundries. Most of the buildings and structures are contemporary with the integrated plan of the 1850s. The compact layout was designed for line shaft technology and steam locomotive maintenance. With the advent of electrification and the shift to diesel locomotion, the shops became outdated and were gradually eclipsed by larger, more modern facilities at the Central’s Macon depot. The complex was acquired by the City of Savannah in 1989 and is now maintained by the Coastal Heritage Society as the Georgia State Railroad Museum.
Despite alterations and additions, and reuse of the buildings for new functions, the Central of Georgia complex is essentially unchanged from its mid-nineteenth-century form and remains largely accessible to visitors.