WALKER COUNTY REGIONAL
HERITAGE/TRAIN MUSEUM
in CHICKAMAUGA GEORGIA
 (The Train Depot)

Sometime around 1888-89, the first railroad was built to the little town of Crawfish Springs, later renamed Chickamauga, Georgia.  A Syndicate Company bought large tracts of land for the railroad and a large summer resort.  The painting and sketch below shows how the train depot and Park Hotel appeared in the 1890's. The hotel opened in 1891 and the train depot was built with expectations of many visitors. But, the dreams of the investors did not materialize, and in 1898 the hotel was used as a hospital for soldiers at Camp Thomas, located in the Chickamauga Battlefield, in training for the Spanish-American War.  It was later demolished and replaced with the two-story brick community house which survives today.

Panting by Don Montgomery

The stone depot was constructed by the Central of Georgia Railroad and trains made round trips twice a day between Chattanooga and Cedartown, stopping in  Chickamauga. Passenger service stopped in the early 50's and the depot was locked in the late 60's.  Over the years, the depot was used by the City Schools, as a public library, by the Recreation Association and Walker County; until the City of Chickamauga was deeded the property in the late 1990's. 

The Train Depot has been restored and houses the Walker County Regional Heritage and Model Train Museum.  The museum exhibits War Between the States collectables, Indian artifacts and Cherokee arrowheads, WWI artifacts, antique guns and furniture and a complete working display of Lionel Old Gauge model trains that date back to 1947.  Model train engines, cars, and parts are also sold in the depot.

Hours are from 10 am to 4 pm Monday thru Saturday, closed on Sunday.  Admission and parking are free.   

A steam locomotive carries passengers on excursions and day trips from Chattanooga during the summer months, stopping at the Chickamauga Depot. Phone 706-375-4488 for additional information.