The line was opened in July 1899,[2] prefaced by a "bohemian smoker" banquet in Valdosta on June 27, 1899.
[1] The line was quickly integrated into Southern's passenger schedules with travel between Valdosta and Jacksonville advertised at about 31⁄2 hours.
The commission, issuing its very first ruling ever, decided on September 4, 1899, that the railroad should be granted access in exchange for an appropriate station fee,[6] which was specified by the commission at a rate $4,300 less per year than the other railroad companies that were already using the station,[7] but the Terminal Company still refused, taking the matter to court.
[8] Shortly before the railroad was sold, work began on an extension of the line from Valdosta to Albany, Georgia, with the goal of reaching Moultrie.
[9] The line remains in service today, and it now operates as Norfolk Southern Railway's Valdosta District.