Railroad Overpass

Railroad Overpass. Ocmulgee National Monument. , Railroad Overpass , In 1833, the Central Railroad and Banking Company of Georgia was established and within ten years the railroad company constructed a main line between Macon and Savannah, a distance of 160 miles. In 1843, the rail line was built through the ancient Indian mounds, partially destroying the Lesser Temple Mound. After the Civil War, the railroad was rebuilt, and the track line was straightened. This new line was elevated to avoid the flood plain that the original railroad ran through. The railroad purchased a right-of-way from Samuel Dunlap on January 20, 1870, for the change of location. The tunnel created access to the southern portion of the Dunlap's plantation and was designed to accommodate a cargo wagon and driver., The railroad overpass architecture and engineering is significant in its design and construction. Most railroad bridges of the late 19th century were usually made of stone, wood, and iron however, this bridge is made of brick. Clay for the brick was widely available in this area as well as skilled laborers. In 1979, the overpass was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. , Caption Aerial photograph of both cuts