Beyond The Rails/Georgia's Devastating Train Tales

Witness of the Times

Episode Title: Beyond the rails/Georgia’s devastating train tales

Episode Summary: In this week’s episode, we explore two devastating train tragedies that left an indelible mark on Georgia’s history. Dr. Bruce Baker joins us to recount the harrowing stories of the Mill Pond Trestle collapse and the derailment of the Little Hook Train—accidents that occurred within twenty miles and twenty years of each other.

Our journey begins with the collapse of the Mill Pond Trestle, as reported by the Lee County Journal on November 11, 1904. James P. Harrison, a prominent Atlanta citizen and part-owner of the Atlanta Marble Company, along with A.C. Gaddis, superintendent of the company’s railroad, lost their lives when their train, loaded with marble, plunged over forty feet as the trestle gave way near Ball Ground, Georgia. The thunderous noise of the collapse reverberated through the area, fading into silence and leaving a lasting impact on the local community.

Our second story centers around the tragic derailment of the “Little Hook Train,” another heartbreaking accident that claimed the lives of dedicated workers. In this episode, we honor the memories of those lost in these tragedies and reflect on the legacy they left behind.

Listen to this episode to learn about:

• The circumstances and impacts of the Mill Pond Trestle collapse.
• The tragic derailment of the Little Hook Train.
• The historical and personal legacy of those who lost their lives in these events.

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Credits:

• Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
• Hosts: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
• Music: Jorgen Hallberg

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