Foley Railroad Museum

About us:

Foley Railroad museum teaches visitors about the city’s early agricultural and railroad industries and displays antique train cars,the L&N Depot houses the city of Foley's archives and history museum. Located in the heart of town, the depot is readily accessible to visitors.The Model Railroad Museum was officially opened to the public in February 2007


History:

The first depot was built in 1905 when Mr. John B. Foley of Chicago used some of his own money to bring the railroad to the southern part of Baldwin County.  This first depot burned to the ground, and a second station took its place in 1908.  The railroad line was a spur from Bay Minette and ended approximately a mile south of Foley.  At that end, there was a wye when the train could turn around.

The depot and the railroad became the center of activity for the growing town of Foley.  At this time, the area was primarily agricultural so the railroad was vital to getting the produce to market.  During "shipping" season, thousands of boxcars would pull out of Foley loaded with potatoes, corn, gladiolas, and many other types of produce that was grown in the area.

In 1971, the L & N Railroad discontinued their services to Foley.  It was the intention of the company to tear down the depot.  However, John Snook, owner of Gulf Telephone Company, bought the building for one dollar.  He then moved the whole building Foley Train Museum Imageto Magnolia Springs, a small community five miles West of Foley.  For 24 years, Mr. Snook used the building as a warehouse for the phone company before deeding it to the City of Foley.  In 1995, the depot was returned to Foley and placed back in its original location