Historic Sopchoppy Train Depot

The historic Sopchoppy Depot was built around 1891. Originally, the Depot was part of the Carrabelle, Tallahassee & Georgia Railroad Company, which was then absorbed by Georgia, Florida and Alabama Railroad, often referred to fondly as the “Gopher, Frog & Alligator.” The line first started running in 1893 and operated until 1946. The Sopchoppy Depot was once a busy railroad hub for both passengers and freight.

The train crossed over the Sopchoppy and Ochlockonee Rivers and traveled through the thick swamps and piney forests of Franklin County before emerging into the open air of the coast. Final destination was the Lanark Inn, a grand hotel boasting a casino, dining, a dance pavilion on the beach, a swimming pool constructed around a sulfur spring, and two large bathhouses for ladies and gentlemen, respectively. The historic Sopchoppy Depot is the only remaining depot still standing in Florida on the GF&A. It was beautifully restored in 2010 and now serves as a museum with historical exhibits and a collection of old photographs, memorabilia and recovered artifacts.