Southeastern Railway Museum

Southeastern Railway Museum
Duluth - Gwinnett County

Story 

Founded in 1970 and spanning 35 acres, the Southeastern Railway Museum boasts a remarkable collection of rolling stock that is not only significant to Georgia’s history but to the broader story of American transportation. With artifacts that span the origins of rail travel, key political events, and the Civil Rights Movement, the museum offers a unique perspective on America’s history through the lens of its railroads. Noteworthy rail cars on site include former President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Marco Polo and the 1911 Pullman Superb, the latter listed on the National Register of Historic Places, further underscoring the historic value the site offers.

Threat 

With a vast collection of over 90 pieces of historic railroad rolling stock, the museum is limited in its capacity to stabilize and restore all of it. Many pieces remain outdoors and exposed to the elements, contributing to ongoing damage and deterioration. The museum thrives thanks to the dedication of a small staff and volunteers, whose contributions are essential to its success, however they are facing insufficient funds and skills to care for the whole collection.  

Update

Recent efforts highlight meaningful progress in addressing these challenges. In May 2026, the museum completed a 14-month restoration of Southern Railway locomotive 6901, a 1951 engine that once powered the Southern Crescent passenger train. The project, supported by grants and more than 1,000 volunteer hours, represents one of the museum’s most significant restoration achievements to date. Looking ahead, additional restoration work is planned for several pieces in the collection, including a U.S. Army railroad crane, a baggage car, and multiple passenger cars, underscoring the museum’s ongoing commitment to preserving its collection despite limited resources.

For more information and to support these efforts visit their website: https://www.train-museum.org/ 

Disclaimer: The Georgia Trust does not own nor has any direct involvement with this historic site. The Trust’s involvement is limited to listing it on our Places in Peril list to bring awareness to it.

Photos by Connor Franklin Leland