Reprinted from The Right Way Magazine, Vol. 51, No. 5
Local enthusiasm for railroads probably continues today, but in its early development, the railroad served the community as THE link with other areas. The Buena Vista and Ellaville Railroad was one with local origin and was built to have a direct connection with Columbus instead of the round about connection through Fort Valley.
Originally named the Buena Vista Railroad Company, which was incorporated Dec. 3, 1880, the line had proposed termini of Buena Vista and Oglethorpe. This was later changed to Buena Vista and Anderson (Andersonville). The terminus was changed to Americus between 1885 and 1887.
On Sept. 2, 1885, the railroad was changed to the Buena Vista and Ellaville Railroad. Consolidated with the Savannah and Western in July 1888, the line from Columbus to Americus was opened for business June 9, 1889.
Passenger trains were put on, and made close connection at Americus with South Western trains to and from points in Florida, thus giving the most direct route from the northwest to Florida.
The Annual Report of the Central Rail Road and Banking Company dated July 1, 1889, states that the railroad is “laid” with 61 pound steel rail from Columbus to Americus, the chair rail between Buena Vista and Americus having been replaced.
The line was incorporated into the Central system in 1895.