The Men Who Built The Florida Railroad

Most residents of and visitors to Fernandina Beach are aware of David Yulee and The Florida Railroad.  Yulee holds a special esteem in the town and most people know his story.  A statue of David Yulee stands outside the historic railroad depot in downtown.  However, like most visionaries, Yulee was an idea man, visionary, and entrepreneur. He chartered the railroad and raised capital but subcontracted most of the actual planning and construction to experts.

David Yulee, a prominent figure in Florida's history, was born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, in 1810. In the early 1830s, he relocated to Florida and eventually established himself as an ambitious entrepreneur. Yulee secured a seat in the U.S. Senate in 1845, just a few months after Florida became a state. His passion for transportation led him to propose a plan for a railroad connecting Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island, to Cedar Key on the Gulf Coast.

Yulee, driven by the desire to improve Florida's trade connections and spur economic growth, founded the Florida Railroad Company in 1853. Under his guidance, the construction of the railway commenced, marking the first significant phase of modernizing Florida's transport infrastructure. The Florida Railroad would provide a vital link between the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, opening up new possibilities for trade and tourism within the state and beyond.

David Yulee

To finance the ambitious project, Yulee pursued investment opportunities in Europe, securing loans to fulfill his grand vision. Backed by British capital, construction began in 1855, stretching from Fernandina Beach through Gainesville, Ocala, and Wildwood, finally reaching Cedar Key. The railway would need to navigate the challenging Florida landscape, overcoming swamps, dense forests, and unpredictable weather conditions.

Joseph Finegan, who was later Confederate military officer and a successful plantation owner, played a crucial role in the construction process. Finegan was appointed as the Superintendent of Construction by Yulee, tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Florida Railroad. His knowledge of the terrain and expertise in managing large-scale projects proved invaluable during the railroad's challenging development stages.

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Meanwhile, Archibald Cole, a respected civil engineer, was responsible for surveying and designing the route of the Florida Railroad. With meticulous attention to detail, Cole ensured that the railway was built with optimal efficiency and safety in mind. As the project advanced, Cole's skills were instrumental in overcoming technical hurdles and ensuring a smooth construction process.

Planning, surveying, financing, and the like were handled capably by Yulee, Finegan, and Cole, but when they needed someone to actually build the railroad they called on the firm of McDowell & Callahan, experienced contractors who had worked on many major railroad projects throughout the United States.

W.H. McDowell was an American entrepreneur who recognized the immense potential of railroads early on. Born in 1802 in Pennsylvania, McDowell grew up witnessing the growth of the newly formed United States and the opportunities that came with it. In the 1830s, as railroad construction began to spread across the country, McDowell seized the chance to join the industry.

With a keen eye for business, McDowell identified the potential for profit in both constructing and operating railway lines. His company, W.H. McDowell & Co., founded in 1835, quickly became one of the leading railroad contractors in the United States. McDowell oversaw numerous projects, including the construction of the Ohio and Pennsylvania Canal and the Harrisburg, Portsmouth, Mount Joy, and Lancaster Railroads.

Like McDowell, Daniel Callahan was a prominent figure in the railroad contracting industry during the 19th century. Born in Ireland in 1829, Callahan immigrated to the United States in his teens, seeking better prospects. Fueled by ambition and a desire for success, he quickly found himself in New York City, where opportunities abound.

Joseph Finegan

Taking advantage of the booming railroad industry, Callahan established the Daniel Callahan Company in the early 1850s. With an impressive track record of successful projects across America, Callahan earned a reputation as a skilled and reliable contractor. His company specialized in grading, bridge construction, and track laying, undertaking major projects for both regional and national railroads.

Work on the railway commenced in the late 1850s when a group of contractors began clearing the path for the track from Fernandina, progressively making their way towards Cedar Keys. The labor-intensive construction was carried out by a diverse workforce, comprising skilled laborers, predominantly African Americans, and immigrant workers from Europe.

The engineers faced numerous challenges throughout the construction process, including battling against hostile wildlife, unforgiving terrain, and the unpredictable weather conditions of Florida. Rivers and water bodies, such as the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers, which the railroad needed to cross, required the construction of sturdy bridges and trestles, further complicating the project. The railway engineers integrated innovative engineering techniques, including the use of steam-powered machinery and deep excavation, to tackle these difficulties.

Callahan Train Depot

Finally, on March 1, 1861, after a decade of tireless efforts, the first train made its inaugural journey from Fernandina to Cedar Keys, marking the completion of The Florida Railroad. The 165-mile long track brought a monumental change to the region.  The railroad facilitated the transportation of goods, allowing for easier movement of crops, timber, and other commodities. Additionally, it also provided Floridians with faster and more efficient travel options for both business and pleasure.

However, as with many historic developments, the progress achieved with The Florida Railroad was not without its limitations. The outbreak of the Civil War only a few months after the railway's completion hindered its full potential. As Florida seceded from the Union in January 1861, the Florida Railroad, like many other southern railroads, faced an uncertain future. The state's strategic significance pushed it to the forefront of Union and Confederate objectives, leading to extensive military engagements. The Florida Railroad, being a crucial supply line, played a central role in this struggle.

One major turning point was the Battle of Cedar Key in 1862, a key Union victory. The Union forces gained control of the port city, disrupting the Florida Railroad's eastern terminus. Loss of control meant a significant blow to the Confederate war effort, cutting off a vital supply route for the transportation of Confederate troops, munitions, and other resources. Moreover, the Union troops actively sabotaged the railroad tracks and bridges along its route, further hampering operations.  The Confederate Army also intentionally destroyed portions of the line to prevent it from being utilized by the Union Army.

The occupation of key towns along the Florida Railroad led to sporadic skirmishes and ambushes by Confederate guerrilla units throughout the war. These Confederate soldiers, known as "bushwhackers," continuously threatened Union troops and disrupted the railroad's operations. This prolonged period of insecurity drastically affected the railroad's efficiency and further fueled tensions between Union and Confederate sympathizers.

The Civil War not only impacted The Florida Railroad but also the lives of the men who built it.  William McDowell was appointed as a superintendent of railroads for the Confederacy.  Daniel Callahan enlisted in the Confederate Army, which quickly realized his capabilities and he was put in charge of several railroad construction and repair projects. David Yulee, long an advocate for secession and the establishment of the Confederacy, was an influential figure, serving as a Senator from Florida and actively promoting the Confederate ideology.  Not surprisingly, Yulee, Fenegan, Cole, and Callahan were all punished by confiscation of their property and/or arrest for their roles in assisting the Confederacy.

Following the Civil War, David Yulee once again turned to Callahan and McDowell to rebuild his railroad.  Callahan was the main architect of the endeavor.  Once again he would overcome the obstacles that he by now knew so well.  As work on the reconstruction progressed, several challenges threatened to hinder Callahan's efforts. Construction materials were scarce and expensive, often requiring shipping from other states. Furthermore, labor shortages and tensions also plagued the project. However, Callahan's steadfast determination, influential network, and charisma allowed him to overcome these obstacles and advance the effort.

The successful completion of The Florida Railroad reconstruction played a crucial role in Florida's post-war recovery. The railway helped stimulate economic growth, attracting investors, industries, and migrants to the state. It facilitated transportation of goods, opened new markets, and encouraged settlement and commercial development along the railway line.  Callahan and McDowell continued their stellar railroad building careers by working on many major projects throughout the newly unified United States including the Transcontinental Railroad.

David Yulee eventually sold The Florida Railroad and retired with his wife to Washington, DC.  He died on October 10, 1886.  Joseph Finegan died October 29, 1885, at Rutledge, his orange grove in Seminole County, Florida.  Archibald Cole died on February 3, 1879 and is buried in Putnam County, Florida. William McDowell died from small pox on April 14, 1972 while working on a railroad project in Cincinnati, Ohio.

We do not know about the death of Daniel Callahan as he entirely disappeared in 1890 despite being a very well know public figure.  On the night of December 5, 1890 Callahan was visiting the apartment of his lady friend Lottie Lewis, who was some thirty years his junior.  Sometime during the night Miss Lewis passed away.  Callahan reported the death at 1:00 pm the next afternoon.  Daniel Callahan was brought in for questioning but he was quickly cleared and released.  After his release Callahan walked out of the NYC Coroner’s Office and was never seen or heard from again.  His name never appeared in any public record or news account since.  Furthering the mystery surrounding Callahan is the fact that no photograph of him has ever been found.

The legacy of David Yulee, Joseph Finegan, Archibald Cole, Daniel Callahan and William McDowell lives on in the Florida Railroad's impact on Florida's development. Their vision, perseverance, and expertise laid the foundation for Florida's subsequent railway infrastructure, facilitating economic growth and transforming the state into a vital transportation hub.  Today, segments of the former Florida Railroad are still in service. The track from Fernandina Beach to Yulee is operated by the First Coast Railroad. Track from Callahan to Waldo is owned by CSX. Abandoned portions of the railroad can still be found throughout North East and North Central Florida such as at John Muir Ecological Park in Yulee.

An excellent book about the life of Daniel Callahan, "Following the Tracks of Daniel Callahan" by John H. Hendricks can be found at your local library or purchased here:  Amazon  (#ad)

For much more information about The Florida Railroad please visit West Nassau Historical Society.  They are a wonderful organization dedicated to preserving the vibrant history of North East Florida.

Want More Northeast Florida History? South of the St. Marys River: Stories from the History of Northeast Florida is Now Available on Amazon