Troupville is a ghost town located in Lowndes County, Georgia, United States. Originally established as a landing town for boats, Troupville’s growth was remarkable and preferred by many. The town was later deserted by its residents who were against the construction of a railroad that ran through the town.

History of Troupville

For a period of time, plans to turn Little River and Withlacoochee River navigable were always discussed but no implementation was ever done. This was until a group of investors got interested and commissioned the development by advertising the region. They began by encouraging settlement and boats docking at the site. The efforts paid off and within a short period of time, hotels, stores, shops, churches, and residential structures sprawled the town. In 1850, Brunswick and Florida Railroad was completed after years of disagreements between the railway companies.

The disagreement was caused by one company having a route but no financial backing while the other had financial backing but no route to construct the railroad. All this was put into order by court order, demanding the two companies to work together. The newly constructed railway did not only make transport and trading easier for the residents but also contributed majorly to the birth of Florida State. Troupville is said to be the mother of Florida. The connection between the two towns highly benefited Florida making it the now established state.

Railroad of death

The main cause of the desertion was the construction of the Atlanta and Gulf railroad through the town to Valdosta. The railroad did not only draw people away to Valdosta but also ran river navigation out of business. Several docking bays and bridges were neglected and left to rot. Business premises, homesteads, and stores were all vacated and abandoned leaving only a few operational stores that belonged to some diehard residents. All these were shut down by the 1900s. Troupville town was declared a ghost town by 2000.

What remains at the townsite?

Multiple buildings have collapsed over years of disuse and no maintenance. Several diehards’ residents still reside in the town to this day. Plant tendrils cover most of the now ruined walls and buildings. The majority of the abandoned buildings are unstable, full of lead and asbestos that are hazardous to health when inhaled. Lead paints bring about hallucinations whereas asbestos leads to cancer-related illnesses. Tours and picnics are allowed at the townsite. It is advisable to be accompanied by friends or family when visiting the place. Having an emergency helpline at the retainer is also encouraged as no one knows when a life-threatening accident might occur. Hiking; picnics and camping; nature walks are some of the recreational activities offered by the town.