Roundhouse Railroad Museum | Huntsville

The Roundhouse Railroad Museum, officially known as the Georgia State Railroad Museum, is located in Savannah, Georgia, and is one of the most significant and best-preserved railroad heritage sites in the United States. It sits on the grounds of the old Central of Georgia Railway Savannah Shops and Terminal Facilities, a National Historic Landmark, and offers a vivid look at the golden age of railroads and their impact on the South.

History and Background
Construction of the Central of Georgia Railway facilities began in the 1850s, with the roundhouse and supporting structures completed by 1855. This was one of the earliest and most advanced railroad repair and maintenance complexes in the country at the time.

The site included not only a roundhouse for servicing locomotives but also machine shops, blacksmith shops, foundries, and administrative offices. It was a self-contained industrial hub, vital for keeping the Central of Georgia’s locomotives and rolling stock in service.

After decades of operation, the facility was gradually abandoned as rail technology changed and consolidation reshaped the industry. By the mid-20th century, the site was in decline. Preservation efforts in the 1970s and 1980s saved it from demolition, and today it stands as one of the most complete antebellum railroad repair complexes still in existence.

Layout and Features
The museum spans several acres and preserves numerous original buildings, structures, and rail lines.

Roundhouse: The centerpiece is the massive brick roundhouse, originally built to service steam locomotives. Its radial stalls allowed locomotives to be repaired and stored efficiently.

Turntable: A fully functioning turntable remains at the heart of the complex, still used to demonstrate how engines were maneuvered into roundhouse stalls.

Machine Shops: Historic workshops display original tools and equipment used in repairing engines and railcars.

Rolling Stock: The museum holds a collection of locomotives and railcars, including restored steam and diesel engines.

Exhibits: Indoor and outdoor exhibits explore the development of railroads, the life of railway workers, and the economic importance of trains to Savannah and the Southeast.

Highlights for Visitors

Live turntable demonstrations, where visitors can see the massive platform rotate as it once did for locomotives.

Access to preserved and restored locomotives and passenger cars, some of which are open for exploration.

Hands-on exhibits for children and families, making it both educational and interactive.

Historical interpretation of railroads’ role in the Civil War, Reconstruction, and Savannah’s commercial growth.

Cultural and Educational Importance
The Roundhouse Railroad Museum not only celebrates rail technology but also highlights the human side of railroad history-engineers, machinists, and workers who kept the lines running. It has become a key educational resource for schools, history enthusiasts, and tourists alike.

Events and Programs
The museum hosts seasonal events, guided tours, and special programs such as steam engine demonstrations and children’s activities. It is also part of the Coastal Heritage Society, which oversees multiple historic sites in Savannah.

Visitor Tips

Open year-round, with admission fees supporting preservation.

The site is largely outdoors, so comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Guided tours are available and add significant context to the exhibits.

Located just west of Savannah’s historic district, it is easily combined with other local attractions.

The Roundhouse Railroad Museum offers one of the most authentic railroad heritage experiences in the United States, preserving not just engines and tracks, but an entire industrial complex that powered a region’s economic growth.