Supported by a local Friends chapter, the SAM Shortline Train offers a unique experience. The rebirth of passenger trains on the old SAM mainline provides the citizens of Georgia as well as visitors to the state a rare opportunity to travel back in time and experience the romance and excitement of train travel. Rather than read about the region’s historic sites or view traditional exhibits about them in museums, passengers are surrounded by the places themselves as they roll across Crisp and Sumter Counties, stopping at towns which have contributed so much not only to our state’s great history, but also to our nation’s.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train
Special Story - SAM Is Celebrating 20 years!
The SAM train made its first public trip from Cordele through Leslie, Americus, and Plains to Archery on October 26th, 2002. That run capped two years of planning and fulfilled the desire of former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn to maintain the prosperity of their hometown of Plains.
Since that inaugural run, the SAM has contributed millions of dollars in economic stimulus to the area. Despite social distancing in 2021, which reduced the passenger load, the train hosted 17,000 riders. According to the...
