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Murmur
Trestle Information and Donations
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Athens grew into prosperity during the railroad boom of the 1800s. Athens had sufficient waterpower to support a manufacturing base, but lacked direct access to the Northeastern and European fiber markets. The Georgia Railroad was chartered in 1833 and delivered cheap and dependable transportation of goods to Augusta, Charleston, and on to the rest of the world.
Present-day Athens is a vibrant community with a high level of citizen participation. Citizens in Athens take an active role in maintaining the quality of life of their hometown, whether through one of many volunteer activities or through active participation in local government. The local government works with over 35 citizen boards, authorities, and commissions. Athens-Clarke County’s elected officials understand the power of citizen participation and the trestle issue is an example of their ability to be responsive. Support for saving the trestle was overwhelming and the community clearly had an impact on the final vote in this matter. R.E.M. is one of Athens-Clarke County’s most recognizable groups. Throughout the world, when Athens, Georgia, is mentioned, R.E.M. is one of the first associations. There is no doubt that the connection to the band saved the trestle, but the most astounding aspect of the issue is the tremendous grassroots support of R.E.M.'s fans. The fans took the lead in popularizing the concept of saving the trestle, and their activities over the Internet lead to the overwhelming response Mayor Doc Eldridge received. Through their music, commitment to historic preservation, and political advocacy, R.E.M. continues to remind Athenians and the world of the qualities that give us all a sense of place. Their leadership on many diverse issues impacts our ability to value and appreciate the things that make our town special. The future of Athens-Clarke County is equally bright. With over $1 million dollars earmarked specifically for bike paths throughout the community and a multi-modal transportation center in the design phase, the diversity and connectivity of transportation alternatives will enhance the quality of life we already enjoy. The Murmur Trestle represents the potential Athens-Clarke County can achieve. There are many opportunities for the Murmur Trestle in the future. A great deal of work must be done before its ultimate use is determined, but community input in the governmental process will ensure that it remains a safe, attractive, educational link to our past, present, and future. The Mayor and Commission of Athens-Clarke County have voted to save the trestle, but possible future uses remain undecided at this time. If you would like to make a donation to the Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission for restoration activities related to the Murmur Trestle, please use the following link to make a credit card donation: or send a check to: The Oconee
Rivers Greenway Commission For more information on the many groups involved in the effort to preserve the trestle, as well as generally keeping Athens a great place, see these links: |
The
Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission voted on Tuesday, October 2,
2000 to save the “Murmur Trestle” over Trail Creek at Dudley Park. The
trestle, made famous by a photo on the back cover of R.E.M.’s 1983 album
Murmur, was initially used to bring the Georgia Railroad’s original
line into downtown Athens and connect it with the 1874 line to Lula, Georgia.
The
railroad trestle is one of many assets that make Athens-Clarke County
a compelling place to visit and to live. It represents in many ways the
past, present, and future of our dynamic community. 
The
Georgia Railroad was Georgia's first rail line. Athenians
William Dearing, Asbury Hull, William Williams, and James Camak built
the line to service the Princeton Mill on the Middle Oconee River. The
first track was laid from Augusta in 1837, and reached Athens by 1841.
In Sept 1883, the trestles over Trail Creek and the North Oconee River
were completed. The granite stones in the Oconee River piers were from
Stone Mountain and the original 1883 steel-span section over Trail Creek
– the Murmur Trestle – remains in place today. In the 1940s, the trestles
were raised to provide a more level surface.