Montgomery and West Point Railroad facts for kids
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Locale | Alabama and Georgia |
| Dates of operation | 1832–1870 |
| Successor | Western Railway of Alabama |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 in (1,422 mm) |
The Montgomery and West Point Railroad (M&WP) was an important railway built in the early 1800s. It connected parts of Alabama and Georgia. This railroad was very important during the American Civil War. It helped move supplies and soldiers for the Confederate Army.
Because it was so important, the M&WP was attacked by Union soldiers during the war. One big attack was Wilson's Raid in 1864. This railroad also showed how America was growing with new industries. It helped connect different parts of the country and move goods and people.
Contents
The Montgomery and West Point Railroad
How It Started
The idea for the Montgomery Railroad began on January 20, 1832. The plan was to build tracks from Montgomery, Alabama, heading east. The goal was to reach the Chattahoochee River near Columbus, Georgia.
In 1833, a group of business people formed the Georgia Railroad Company. Their main goal was to build a railroad from the western part of Georgia into the state's center. In 1834, the plan changed slightly. The route would now go to West Point, Georgia, instead of Columbus.
Work began quickly, and a short section of track was laid near Montgomery. The railroad started operating right away. Both horses and early steam locomotives pulled the cars. They usually moved slowly, often less than 10 miles per hour.
Early Challenges
The railroad earned some money, but it was not a lot at first. For example, in June 1840, it made $500. A year later, in June 1841, it earned $1,800. People believed this railroad would be a great way to connect to the Atlantic coast.
However, building railroads was expensive and took a long time. Rivers were also strong competitors for moving goods. They were a cheaper way to transport things.
The railroad faced many money problems in its early years. In 1837, there was a big economic "panic time" in the country. This made things even harder for the railroad. The company needed more money to keep building.
They asked the state government for a loan. But first, the company had to promise its property and even the personal property of its owners as security. This showed how difficult it was to get these big projects going.
Changes and Growth
The railroad finally reached Franklin, Alabama, about 32 miles east of Montgomery, by 1840. But financial troubles continued. On July 9, 1842, the railroad was sold because it couldn't pay its debts.
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It was then reorganized and renamed the Montgomery and West Point Railroad on February 13, 1843. The railroad finally reached West Point on April 28, 1851. Three years later, the Atlanta and West Point Railroad was finished. This connected Montgomery all the way to the East Coast markets.
By July 1, 1852, the M&WP Railroad was fully working every day. It started making good profits, earning over $130,000. The company also built a branch line from Opelika, Alabama, to Columbus between 1852 and 1856. This new line began operating in 1856.
Role in the Civil War
During the American Civil War (1861–1865), the Montgomery and West Point Railroad was a key target. It was used to move soldiers and supplies for the Confederate Army.
In July 1864, about 2,500 Union cavalry troops, led by General Lovell Rousseau, attacked the railroad. This was known as Rousseau's Opelika Raid. Rousseau's soldiers burned many supplies in Opelika. They also destroyed about 30 miles of track and burned railroad stations and warehouses in Montgomery and West Point by July 17.
In April 1865, near the end of the war, an even bigger attack happened. This was Wilson's Raid. It destroyed almost all the remaining trains and equipment of the railroad.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, the railroad was repaired. It was put back into use to help rebuild the South. In 1870, the Montgomery and West Point Railroad joined with another company. It became part of the Western Railway of Alabama.
Why It Was Important
The Montgomery and West Point Railroad was built because a rail line was needed to connect Alabama with the Chattahoochee River and other parts of the South. Business people in Montgomery wanted an easier way to trade with nearby states. A railroad was the perfect solution for this.
During the Civil War, this railroad was mainly used to transport military forces and supplies. But as railroads improved, they became a very efficient way for people to travel and for goods to be moved. The M&WP helped connect the northeastern and southeastern parts of the United States, playing a big role in the country's development.
