The Okefenokee Chief Train Museum

The Okefenokee Chief Train Museum

The Okefenokee Chief Train Museum is the anchor exhibit at OHC, attracting train enthusiasts from around the world.

The Okefenokee Chief Train Museum features the beautifully restored Old Nine steam locomotive and coal tender. This 1912 Baldwin 100-ton, 2-8-2 engine was brought to Waycross in 1973 from the Rockton & Rion Railway in South Carolina. Old Nine is named for the first settlement in Waycross, GA, which was the ninth stop on the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad from Savannah. Oldtimers often called the community “Old Nine” long after it was given the name Tebeauville, and later, Waycross. The Okefenokee Chief also consists of an ACL REA Express car, a mail/baggage car, a passenger car, and an ACL caboose. Each of these cars contains exhibits tracing the history of the cars, the importance of the railway systems in South Georgia, and period artifacts from the area. Visitors will also see the Old Nine’s original, restored whistle and hear her majestic sound.

The Okefenokee Heritage Center logo, created by local artist Tina Maddox, has proudly featured Old Nine since 2000.

While in the area, travelers are encouraged to visit the Historic Rail Depot at 315 Plant Avenue in historic downtown Waycross. The depot features a viewing platform that provides live train feeds for train enthusiasts worldwide.