HAHIRA — City officials, businesses owners and residents came out for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new, recently finished train depot.

The train depot is a re-creation of the original train depot located in the town more than 100 years ago, Mayor Bruce Cain said.

The construction of the original train station coincided with the founding of Hahira as a city, so the station represents an integral part of the city’s history, he said.

The architect and contractors strived to recreate the image and spirit of the original building, Cain said.

While the new depot won’t be used by any passenger trains anytime soon, it will act as a hub for the community going forward.

“We hope that this depot will be the future site of many gatherings of friends, family and loved ones,” Cain said. “We hope that it will be filled with music, laughter and love for generations to come.”

The depot is the first part of the three-phase plan for the lot, Cain said. The second phase will include a walkway, fountain, veteran memorial and a splash pad. A splash pad is a type of fountain that shoots jets of water out of the ground.

The third phase of the plan is to build a new city hall near the memorial and the depot, Cain said.

For Cain, the newly built deport represents the history of the town and the future he sees for it.

“Above all, it is our deepest wish that this new depot will spur all of our citizens to preserve our past and plan for the future,” he said.

The city will have an open house for the Train Depot scheduled for Dec. 1 after lighting the Christmas tree. 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.