Georgia Midland & Gulf Railroad The GM&G was chartered in 1885, construction began in May, 1886, and its 100-mile line from Columbus to McDonough was completed in December, 1887. By 1888, the railroad had seven locomotives, eight passenger cars, two baggage cars, and 135 freight cars. Poors 1888 Manual indicated that the GM&G's owners intended to construct a northeastern extension of the line beyond McDonough to Athens. Interestingly, Poors 1891 edition noted that an extension to Atlanta was being "comtemplated," but the earlier Athens plans were not mentioned. Although the lines to Athens and Atlanta were never built, the GM&G did briefly expand its system by leasing the Columbus Southern Railway (Columbus-to-Albany) in 1890. The lease was cancelled the following year, however, as the GM&G edged towards bankruptcy. The GM&G entered receivership in 1895 and its property was sold to the Georgia Midland Railway, chartered in 1896 and controlled by Southern Railway. Abandonments: Griffin-McDonough abandoned 1979. Rover-Columbus abandoned 1988. 1893 map (160K) 1895 timetable (128K)   Georgia's Railroad History & Heritage. Copyright, Steve Storey. Railroad History | The Depot List | Locomotives On Display | Odds & Ends | Sources & References | Home