Many people may not realize the significance of railroads for Warner Robins' number one employer.
Eugene Anderson, a retired Civil Engineer and history buff says the railroad tracks in Warner Robins during the early 1940's led to the area's growth.
“At one time, Robins had almost 27 miles of railroad on it,” said Anderson.
He said that there was only a two lane dirt road from Macon and Wellston roads during the early 1940s.
Anderson says those trucks weren't big enough to carry the materials for the new air force base, created just before World War II. Some of the materials include: wood, steel and nails, and paint.
Anderson's been intrigued with trains since the age of 10, and after his retirement he gathered dozens of pictures and information leading up to the end of the railroad era in 1994.
“The tracks are gone. I would say 95- 98% of the tracks are gone,” said Anderson.
But with the development and convenience of roads there is no longer a need for trains on base.
“My understanding is that they get 100 trucks a day going through this commercial gate down here and that's a lot of freight,” said Anderson.
Anderson is trying to dig a little deeper and find more information on the Railroad... including the freight record of that time showing the trains entering and leaving the base.
He hopes some other local history buffs can help keep his search on track.
We spoke to Roland Leach at Robins Air Force base, and he says those tracks no longer exist on base.
Anderson is looking for anyone with information about the Railroad.
If you have any information about the railroad you can contact The Warner Robins Convention and Visitors Bureau at 478-922-5100