County of depot: Carroll County
Location of depot: Bradley St. & Lee St., Carrollton
Phone: (770) 832-6901
Hours: M-F: 8am to 5pm
"From 1865 to 1872, the Reconstruction period posed further challenges to Carrollton. Agriculture
experienced a substantial decline in the number of cultivated acres, livestock and animals utilized.
However, the arrival of the railroad in the early 1870s allowed Carrollton to gradually recover. In
1871, the Savannah, Griffin, and North Alabama
Railroad was completed to Newnan, approximately
twenty-two miles southeast of Carrollton. By early
1872, a site on South Street was selected for the new
Carrollton Depot, and the rail line was extended into
town. This connection facilitated travel to Atlanta and
increased the available markets for agricultural
products and manufactured goods. While trains did not
travel to Carrollton until 1874, business boomed in
anticipation of the railroad, and the number of
residents in town reached 500.13 In October 1872,
Carrollton held its first city election, with a Carroll
County.
"Included within the boundaries of the locally-designated In-Town South Historic District, but outside
of the NR-listed district, is the Carrollton Train Depot (GNAHRGIS 250617), constructed in 1888,
and fronting Bradley Street. The old depot speaks toward a time of economic prosperity for the City
of Carrollton. This “station played an instrumental role in the development of Carrollton as a center
of agriculture after the Civil War.”37 Prior to the arrival of the railroad in 1874, horse-drawn wagons
were used to transport fertilizer and large cotton bales in and out of the City. Trains provided a much
more cost efficient way to ship goods such as fertilizer. In doing so, the trains allowed for the increase
in cotton production locally, “contributing to the growing cotton trade and activity around the depot
and the square.”38 Workers loaded cotton bales, cotton yarn, and hosiery products to transport to larger
markets. The railroad, including the depot, not only played an important role in the cotton industry,
but also insured the success of the textile industry, and provided a means of transportation for
passengers to connect to other towns and cities.
"The former Central of Georgia Railway Depot was once threatened with demolition by present railroad
owner, Norfolk Southern. However, the building was acquired by the City to be preserved and used
by city residents. Much of the rehabilitation work was completed from 2010 to 2013. It opened to the
public in January of 2013 and contains two main areas: The Ticketing Booth and The Grand Hall. The
Ticketing Booth area is slated to house both Carrollton and Railroad memorabilia while the Grand
Hall is available for event rentals. The Grand Hall offers a large venue space for weddings, receptions,
fundraisers, banquets and dances.
"Constructed in 1888, the Carrollton Train Depot is located at 315 Bradley Street (GNAHRGIS
250617). Recently restored, the brick depot contains a ticketing booth and grand hall, the latter
currently used as an event space. The railroad, and associated depot, played a pivotal role in the
development and prosperity of Carrollton’s textile industry from the late-19th century to mid-20th
century. The depot does not embody characteristics of a defined architectural style." ~ Historic Resources Survey of Carrollton, Pages 18, 25 52