The Western & Atlantic Railroad is a bit unusual in it’s ownership. Beginning in the early 1870s, railroad construction in the United States increased dramatically. Prior to 1871, approximately 45,000 miles of track had been laid. Between 1871 and 1900, another 170,000 miles were added to the nation's growing railroad system. Most American railroads are privately owned. Big corporations that serve to make their masters unbelievably wealthy. In the 19th century, railroads were the top industries in the stock market, and railroad tycoons were early industrial pioneers. Despite their visionary leadership these barons came under intense scrutiny for their (at least perceived) ruthless nature and wanton disregard for public safety, all in the name of greater profits.
The W&ARR however, answers to no one tycoon. Rather, the railroad proper is owned by the state of Georgia who chartered the railroad in 1836. Running the railroad is left to the Western & Atlantic Railroad Company, who’s board of directors answers to the state.
And since the state owns it, the head of the board is in fact, the state’s governor.
Elected twice (And getting ready to run for another term) is Diane Foxington. Who, among other tasks, is the head of the W&A. This go-getter keeps herself busy with overseeing the state, and leaves the majority of the operation of the state’s railroad to the company. But don’t think that means she turns a blind eye. She has never missed a meeting of the railroad’s board, and it’s not uncommon for her to turn up in the yard to see how ‘her railroad’ is doing.
She also like to make a stop in Marceline whenever she's on the road. The hotel there seems to be a great place to relax and clear one's mind. Or, at least that's what she claims.
(There's a bit of an in-joke about Diane Foxington among those of us who love 19th century railroads. It's really hard to explain, but in a series of convoluted events, she came to become the mascot for 19th century railroad history. So, being a fan of old iron myself, I couldn't help but include her in the W&ARR's world)
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8 months, 3 weeks ago
14 Feb 2024 18:25 CET
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