What distinguished the Western and Atlantic Railroad from the Central Railroad and Georgia Railroad?

The Western and Atlantic Railroad is distinguished by the fact that it ran from the Chattahoochee River to Atlanta. This specific route was significant as it connected key economic centers and facilitated the movement of goods and people across Georgia, particularly connecting the more developed areas to the inland regions.

In contrast, while the Central Railroad and the Georgia Railroad served important roles in the state's transportation network, their routes and destinations varied. The Western and Atlantic's primary significance also includes its role in connecting Georgia to neighboring states, specifically facilitating trade and interaction with Tennessee. This geographic reach allowed it to serve as a crucial link for both local and cross-state commerce.