The route was completed to Elba in October 1898, totaled 37.2 miles (59.9 km), and was operated by the Alabama Midland Railway.
However, as built the railroad instead ended approximately one mile south of the city limits, briefly creating conflict with businessmen and other sponsors of the new route who resided in Elba proper.
Employee timetables of the era scheduled departure of the local in the early morning from Dothan, exiting the main line at Waterford - a wye junction near Newton.
In 1980, the Seaboard Coast Line's parent company merged with the Chessie System, creating the CSX Corporation.
On July 10, 1992, an additional segment running approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from Clintonville to Enterprise was abandoned by the Wiregrass Central, prompted by the closure of a woodyard at the end of the line.