Central of Georgia Railroad 906

A Glimpse into the Past: The Central of Georgia Railroad 906’s Legacy

The Central of Georgia Railroad 906 is a heavyweight coach with a rich history. Crafted in 1924 by the renowned Pullman Company, it initially bore the number 528 and graced iconic passenger trains like the Man ‘O War and the Seminole. In its early days, it mirrored the design of coach 1683, featuring adjustable openable windows and a clerestory roof. However, 1937 saw its modernization.

Later, as the Central of Georgia Railroad transitioned to its successor, the Southern Railway, the coach was rebranded as 906. What sets the 906 apart in the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) collection is its central dividing wall, marking it as a once-segregated or “Jim Crow” car. This design included two sets of restrooms, segregated for each end of the coach. This segregation persisted until the 1950s. Today, TVRM preserves the 906 in its original state, serving as a poignant reminder of a challenging chapter in American history. While it’s a painful memory, it’s vital to acknowledge this past alongside the myriad stories safeguarded at TVRM. The 906 stands as possibly the only operational car with its segregating wall intact.