Plant System

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Can anyone shed some light on the Plant System? DUring my research endeavors on the GS&F Rwy I have occasionally run across references on the Plant System. What was the Plant System and how did they play a role if any to the GS&F Rwy? Some history on it would be appreciated. Thanks.

-- Mark S. Mosely (MOSEGSF@aol.com), February 20, 2002

Answers

Mark -

The Plant System consisted of the Savannah, Florida & Western, the Brunswick & Western, the Alabama Midland, and Charleston & Savannah Railroads (plus one or two others). It got its start in late 1879 when Henry B. Plant purchased the Atlantic & Gulf RR at a foreclosure sale and reorganized it as the Savannah, Florida & Western. At its zenith, the Plant System stretched from Charleston, SC, on the east, to Montgomery, AL, on the west and Punta Gorda, FL, on the South. The Plant System also operated a number of hotels and a steamship line.

On the death of Henry Plant in 1899, the family legally broke his will (which called for the system to be held intact until his grandson - then about seven years old - could take control) and the railroads and southern steamship operations were sold to the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad effective July 1, 1902. (The New England- Canadian steamship lines were retained by the Plant family and operated until about World War I.)

Hope this answers your question.

Bob Hanson

-- Robert H. Hanson (RHanson669@aol.com), February 24, 2002.


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