[1] The Perry Cutoff basically connected two pre-existing Atlantic Coast Line Railroad routes.

Track to Monticello, which originated in Thomasville, Georgia, was built in 1888 as a branch of the Savannah, Florida and Western Railroad.

At the other end, track was built in 1907 by the Atlantic Coast Line from Newberry west to Wilcox and Perry.

[6] In 1980, the Seaboard Coast Line's parent company merged with the Chessie System, creating the CSX Corporation.

[6][7] Remaining track from Newberry to Cross City, and from Wilcox to Chiefland was then leased to the Florida West Coast Railroad, a shortline, in 1987.