Located in Savannah the Roundhouse Railroad Museum contains the oldest and most complete railroad repair shop in America and is a National Historic Landmark site. The 190 miles of railway line between Savannah and Macon was originally laid down to take the valuable shipments of cotton between the two points, in addition to other freight and passenger services, and along with the museum is a lasting monument to the achievements of the 19th century industrial revolution.
The site actually lay abandoned by the early 1960's after a long period of decline following the merger of railway companies Central of Georgia and Southern Railway in the mid 20th century. However it was saved from demolition a few years later and subsequently millions were invested to make safe and restore the buildings, preserving this important historical area.
The collection is now actually growing and beside the steam and diesel locomotives, rail cars and rolling stock there are displays, exhibits on steam engines and machinery and a large model train layout of Savannah that will bring out the kid in anyone. Five of the remaining 13 restored buildings contain permanent exhibits and there is also a 126-foot brick smokestack with privies around its base and the roundhouse itself with its operating turntable. Nearby is the former Central of Georgia passenger station which is now home to the Savannah visitor's center.
The Roundhouse Railroad Museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and is free for children under 6 with accompanied by an adult.
