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March 18, 1986, the second session of the oral history given by J. Maurice Thomas

Columbus, Georgia, [[strikethrough]] Miscovia (sp?)[[/strikethrough]] ^[[Muscogee]] County, located in the heart of seven states and 90 miles south southwest of Atlanta, was founded in 1828. It was a trading and manufacturing center of textiles. The first textile mill established was in 1838. During the Indian War of 1836, the Mexican War and Civil War, Columbus was an important supply point. The city was taken by the Federal Army in April 16, 1865. Columbus was the gateway to the Chattahoochee River. In 1889 the city limits were expanded. The expansion included the area of Rose Hill.

Columbus was operated by three major railroad systems -- Central of Georgia, Seaboard Line, and the Southern Railway. There is no passenger railroad that serves Columbus now. I understand that there is a train that runs through Columbus, but it doesn't stop. The railroad station, known  as the Union Station, was located at 12th Street and 6th Avenue. It served the three railroad systems. The Union Station was recently made a historic landmark. I remember [[strikethrough]] that [[/strikethrough]] the station [[strikethrough]] was [[/strikethrough]] surrounded by beautiful palm trees.

My first impression of the station was when Aunt Emma's body was brought from Atlanta for burial [[strikethrough]] at [[/strikethrough]] ^[[in]] Porterdale Cemetery in the [[strikethrough]] Canty's [[/strikethrough]] ^[[Cantey's]] family plot. Grandfather conducted the funeral procession to Porterdale Cemetery. I remember the horses [[strikethrough]] being ^[[draped]] dressed up in black fringe. The[[/strikethrough]] ^[[and]] hearse [[strikethrough]] was [[/strikethrough]] draped in black