Preserving History and Community: Reviving the Carthage Junction Depot

August 30, 2023
Restored Depot as it stands now at 185 Gordonsville Hwy, Carthage, TN 37030

Submitted by Billy Woodard, Executive Director Smith County Chamber of Commerce

For well over a century, the Carthage Junction Depot has stood as a poignant emblem of Smith County’s rich history, bearing witness to the ebb and flow of time and progress. Rooted in the late 1800s, this depot bore witness to the vibrant movements of passengers, freight, and mail along the Tennessee Central Railroad. As the Tennessee Central Railroad etched its path toward Knoxville, a crucial branch extended its reach into Smith County, extending its embrace to the bustling town of Carthage. Opening its doors on August 11, 1888, the section connecting Lebanon to Gordonsville was swiftly followed by the completion of the Carthage branch in the same December. This pivotal juncture, famously known as Carthage Junction, indelibly marked a crossroads in Smith County’s narrative.

Nestled between Preston Road. and Hickman Creek, adjacent to the present-day State Route Hwy 141, the Carthage Junction depot resided as a poignant relic of a bygone era—a testament to its pivotal role in the region’s commercial tapestry. The tracks originating from Gordonsville gracefully extended into south Carthage, finding their terminus near the very site where the Cordell Hull bridge would be erected in 1934, spanning the Cumberland River. Carthage Junction transformed into a lifeline, servicing Carthage, the county seat, via the “middle ferry crossing” on the river.

Yet, as the echoes of passenger rail traffic faded, uncertainty clouded the depot’s future. An era of vacancy set in, and the weathered building itself became a silent witness to the passage of time. Nevertheless, a series of transformations awaited, each pivot ushering in a new chapter.

The year 1970 proved pivotal as the railroad’s intent to dismantle the depot sent shockwaves through the community. However, Mr. John Waggoner, Sr. intervened, acquiring, and relocating the building a few miles away, where it found a new home nestled beside Interstate 40 exit number 258. In more recent times, preservationists rallied, determined to salvage this historic haven. The journey commenced with a daring move in October 2014, as the depot embarked on a three-mile odyssey to South Carthage. The result? A breathtaking vista overlooking the tranquil waters of the Caney Fork River, where the depot now stands proudly.

With unwavering commitment, the Carthage Junction Depot project embarked on an ambitious mission—to restore and transform this endangered relic into a multi-faceted haven for local artists. This creative cocoon not only nurtures artistic expression but also safeguards Smith County’s railroad heritage.

Economic vitality is the bedrock of thriving communities, particularly in small, rural areas. The Smith County Chamber of Commerce, dedicated to fostering smart growth and development, views the Carthage Junction Depot as a vital ingredient in this formula. Beyond its role in tourism, the depot aspires to become an educational beacon for local schools and a catalyst for retail and business development, ensuring economic resilience.

Perched proudly at Pipers Ford on the Caney Fork River, the Carthage Junction Depot beckons adventurers with its myriad offerings. From access to the Caney Fork and Cumberland Rivers for kayaking and canoeing, to its adjacency to Kidz Central Park, the Smith County Fair Grounds, Ag Center, and Soccer Complex, this reinvigorated treasure trove is a hub of recreation. Future plans encompass a gift shop, rail history exhibits, kayak adventures, an internet café, food concessions, and an extended walking trail – a testament to the positive effect of cooperation.

The mission to safeguard the Carthage Junction Depot was fueled by the generosity and dedication of individuals and businesses. In August 2014, a ray of hope emerged as KFC/Taco Bell, represented by Mr. Chris Jones, donated the depot to Smith County. Mr. Jones and his associates had recently purchased the property to build the restaurant in Gordonsville. This altruistic gesture set the stage for a vibrant future, propelling a community-driven initiative to preserve the depot.

Under the guidance of Billy Woodard, Smith County Chamber Director, a committee of community members rose to “Save the Depot.” Spearheaded by Chairwoman Mrs. Virginia Alexander, along with Mr. Keith Williams, Mayor Michael Nesbitt, Jerry Solimine, Ryan Ray, Shelia Ferrell, Rob Kirby, and Ron Selliers, this resolute team achieved remarkable feats. Over a mere three months, their tireless fundraising efforts yielded over $18,000 in private donations—a testament to the community’s broad-based support of the project.

Financial challenges were confronted head-on, with relocation costs amounting to $13,350. Further funds, approximately $3,600, were allocated to prepare the building for its journey. The generosity of Rackley Roofing Company, which removed and reinstalled the roof, constituted an in-kind donation valued at an impressive $20,000, with an additional $10,000 worth of materials, including paint. Inspired by the success of the building’s relocation, community members like Mr. John Leftwich, Sr. rallied to contribute. Further support emanated from the Smith County Leadership Class of 2016, who funded signage for the completed depot. Another vital funding source emerged through the Tennessee ThreeStar grant program, which offers competitive grants to projects fostering tourism and economic development in the state. Notably, the Depot project secured two such grants.

Although renovations progressed gradually, the project found champions among the dedicated volunteers of the committee who undertook the arduous task. Special recognition is owed to Billy Jack Alexander and his brother for their unyielding efforts.

The road ahead gleams with potential. The original structure was enhanced by the addition of a wrap-around deck, Plans are underway for an adjacent accessory building replicating the South Carthage Depot. This new structure will house essential amenities, including restrooms and a concession area for potential kayak rentals, further enhancing the depot’s allure. Collaboration with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is poised to bear fruit this fall, with the promise of a kayak access point on the Caney Fork River, enriching the site’s recreational offerings.

The cultural landscape of the area has been invigorated by monthly art shows and exhibitions held at the depot. Spearheaded by Keith Williams and Jenny Penuel, these events have drawn visitors from beyond the region, inviting them to savor the offerings of the Carthage Junction Depot.

As the Carthage Junction Depot edges closer to its reimagined future, the Smith County Chamber of Commerce Depot committee stands resolute. Regular updates and discussions are facilitated through our Facebook page and scheduled meetings, inviting community members to contribute to this extraordinary endeavor.

For those eager to delve deeper, contribute, or become involved, the Smith County Chamber of Commerce extends a warm invitation. To connect with this remarkable project, visit https://www.facebook.com/CarthageJunctionDepot/ or contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce at 615-735-2093.

The Carthage Junction Depot stands as an enduring testament to the potency of community spirit—a legacy spanning generations and nurturing a sense of pride. With each step forward, this historic beacon is poised to usher in a new era of culture, recreation, and economic vitality, all while revering the spirit of those who embarked through its doors.

Carthage Depot 1986 at the Gordonsville Site off I-40 Exit 258 (right) Pic Cir 1940 – at original site in Gordonsville (left)