Several themes come together in Wadley’s local history: its river location, railroad, architecture, former hospitality industry, and education. This provides a specific focus for a trip with an interest in cultural history. The individual points of interest range from the depot and a house dating to around 1840 to the history of a college campus.

Location and Getting Oriented

Wadley is on the west bank of the Tallapoosa River in southwestern Randolph County. State Highway 77 ends in Wadley and leads there from the northwest. The riverbank and the direction of the road thus provide two clear reference points for finding your way. If you are planning your drive, check current road conditions in advance.

The Depot: Architecture and Railroad History

The Wadley Railroad Depot is an excellent example of a small Spanish Mission-style station. The single-story railroad building was constructed of poured-in-place concrete and has a clay tile hipped roof. The style classification describes the architectural framework; the material, height, and roof shape identify specific features of the building. Poured-in-place concrete is cast at the site, and a hipped roof slopes down on several sides, distinguishing it from a simple gable roof. This brings together the depot’s general classification as a Spanish Mission-style station and precise details about its construction.

The depot was built in 1907 by the Atlanta, Birmingham, and Atlantic Railroad. In Wadley, it served as both a passenger and freight station from 1907 until it closed around 1964. The construction year and period of operation shed light on different aspects of the same station: one date marks its construction, while the approximate closing date marks the end of its former function as a depot. Passenger and freight service also makes clear that the station served two purposes.

Other Historic Points of Interest

The Gay Craft House in Wadley represents an earlier historical period and dates to around 1840. Its approximate date provides a different historical reference point from the railroad construction of 1907. The Old Wadley Hotel Building adds a history of the former hospitality industry: it was once one of the finest hotels in the area and had 30 rooms and gas lighting. The room count and lighting detail make the description of its former operation more specific than simply identifying it as a hotel building. Alongside the depot, the history of the former hotel can thus be understood as a distinct strand alongside rail transportation.

Education in Wadley’s History

Education is also part of Wadley’s history. The history of the Wadley campus of Southern Union State Community College goes back to Bethlehem College, which received a charter on June 2, 1922. This adds an institutional perspective to the stories of architecture, lodging, and transportation. It provides a separate reference point for placing events in time: the charter dates the history of Bethlehem College’s founding, while the other details concern buildings or their former uses. This keeps the different historical strands clearly distinct.

Discover more destinations: Lanett.

Return to the main travel overview: Chambers.