Its core route ran for 33.5 miles in a southwesterly direction from the city of Green Cove Springs, Florida, United States, to the lakeside town of Melrose.

The company was incorporated under Florida state law and approved on February 28, 1881, with construction commencing a short time later.

The beginning of the end came during the late 1890s following a Great Freeze which devastated the local economy and resulted in a loss of passenger and freight traffic.

Portions of the rail bed can still be seen in some places including "Tram Road", an unpaved footpath at Gold Head Branch State Park which follows the old right of way for about a mile or so.

[4] In addition, part of the railroad's route through Green Cove Springs is today Melrose Avenue.