Raleigh & Augusta Railroad to SAL

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I have just come across an interesting letter to Capt. Wm. Smith , Supt. R.A.A.RR, from members of the community of New Hill NC in which they are challenging the appointment of Mr. T L Gardner as agent. I am trying to date it. When did the name change to SAL? I just happen to live in Mr. Gardners house and he was in fact an Agent for the RR into the 1930s. I have a telegram dated 1890 which indicates SAL, but also has Ral.& Augusta on it. I think this letter would be before that time. Mr Gardner`s family left a few items in the house which I have kept and preserved including a picture of the original New Hill station from the 1870s. Thanks, Wayne

-- Wayne Womble (wombvette@aol.com), April 17, 2001

Answers

The Raleigh & Augusta Air Line RR was a reorganization of the Chatham RR in December 1871. The R&A was essentially controlled by the Raleigh & Gaston RR almost from that date, the R&G owning most of the R&A's stock. In July 1900 all of the railroads which had previously been operated as the "Seaboard Air Line Passenger Route" were taken into the new SAL RR and ceased seperate operation. From the data available to me, it appears that Capt. William Smith was supt. of the R&A from 1882 to about 1895.

-- Tom Underwood (tlunder@attglobal.net), April 17, 2001.

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