Central of Georgia Depot and Trainshed (Savannah, Georgia) facts for kids
The old Central of Georgia terminal building in 2015, now a visitor center
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| Location | 303 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Savannah, Georgia United States |
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| Type | History |
The Savannah History Museum is a fun place to learn about the history of Savannah, Georgia. It is located inside a very old train station building. This building is called the Central of Georgia Depot and Trainshed. It was built way back in 1860, just before the American Civil War.
These historic buildings are so important that they were named a National Historic Landmark in 1976. This means they are recognized as a special place in American history. The area was made even larger in 1978 to include the old train shops and other buildings.
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Discover the Savannah History Museum
The Savannah History Museum is found at 303 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. It's right in the heart of Savannah's historic downtown. The museum opened its doors in 1989.
What You Can See
Inside the museum, you'll find many cool things. There are artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Savannah. You can learn about the city from its very beginning up to today. It's a great way to see how Savannah has changed over time.
A Historic Train Station
The museum is housed in the old passenger terminal of the Central of Georgia Railway. This red brick building is also home to the Savannah Visitor Center. The entire area is a large complex of historic train facilities.
Exploring the Train Complex
Around the main building, you can see other interesting structures. These include a cotton yard, where cotton was once stored. There's also a blacksmith shop, where metal was shaped. You can also spot a brick viaduct (a bridge-like structure) and the large trainshed. An old office car and a caboose are also part of the site.
Who Manages the Site?
The Coastal Heritage Society owns and takes care of this historic site. This group is a non-profit organization. Their main goal is to protect and share the history of coastal Georgia. They help keep these important places alive for everyone to enjoy.
Trains of the Past
The Central of Georgia Railway used to run many passenger trains from this station. These trains traveled between Atlanta, Macon, Georgia, and Savannah.
The Nancy Hanks II
One famous train was called the Nancy Hanks II. It ran until 1971. After that year, a new company called Amtrak took over most passenger train services in the United States. So, the Nancy Hanks II was one of the last passenger trains to use this historic station.
