Atlanta and West Point Railroad Co. - circa 1920's Unissued Railway Stock Certificate

Unissued Stock similar to RS5060.

The Atlanta and West Point Railroad Company (A&WP), initially chartered in 1847 as the Atlanta and LaGrange Railroad, underwent a name change in 1857. Its primary objective was to establish a crucial commerce link between Atlanta, Georgia, and West Point, Georgia, thereby facilitating trade and transportation towards the Gulf of Mexico. The 87-mile line was completed in 1854 and swiftly emerged as an indispensable trade and transportation artery in the American Southeast.

During the American Civil War, the railroad played a pivotal role as a vital supply route for the Confederacy. Consequently, it became a primary target for Union forces, who inflicted significant damage on the tracks and infrastructure during the Atlanta Campaign and McCook’s Raid in 1864.

Post-war, the A&WP embarked on a rebuilding endeavor and entered a prolonged period of shared operational alignment with the Western Railway of Alabama. In the late 19th century, these entities collaborated under the marketing name “The West Point Route,” effectively operating a unified network. This network facilitated seamless passenger and freight service between Atlanta and Montgomery, Alabama. The line operated its renowned passenger trains, such as the Crescent, and maintained a degree of independence until it was leased by the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad family in the mid-20th century. Through a series of corporate consolidations, the A&WP was eventually absorbed into the Seaboard System Railroad. Today, its historic tracks continue to be actively utilized under the ownership of CSX Transportation.