Nearly 70 years ago, Wilmington's 'illogical' geography spawned a devastating departure
Nearly 70 years ago, the Port City was reeling.
On Dec. 15, 1955, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad announced it would be ending its century-long relationship with Wilmington, where it operated its headquarters in 1900, and move to a new city, eventually revealed to be Jacksonville, Florida. The day would become known as "Black Thursday" in Wilmington.
In an instant, the company's 1,600 local employees suddenly found their livelihoods in jeopardy and the city was left to ponder a future without its largest employer.
According to an article in the Dec. 16, 1955, Wilmington Morning Star, ACL officials said the reason behind the move was Wilmington became "geographically illogical."
More: When Atlantic Coast Line Railroad left Wilmington
In time, the railroad’s massive complex on the north end of the downtown riverfront would come down building by building, most notably in 1970 with the razing of Union Station.
It was a devastating end to an industry that not only put Wilmington on the map but also made it a powerhouse during some trying chapters in American history, including the Civil War and World War II.
The hub of the operation was the corner of North Front and Red Cross streets. Its former buildings and tracks now cover much of Cape Fear Community College’s present-day campus.
Former StarNews reporter Hunter Ingram contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: When Wilmington, NC lost the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
