Bowden Lithia Springs Short Line Railroad The 2.5-mile narrow-gauge Austell-to-Lithia Springs line opened in 1885 as a “private enterprise,” according to Poors 1895 Manual. It was given a charter in March, 1887. Poors 1897 notes that the railroad was owned by the proprietor of the Sweet Water Park Hotel, and was operated as a private road for hotel guests. The line was also known as the Salt Springs and Bowden Lithia for a time. It was abandoned in 1913. Nothing remains today of the railroad or the hotel. 1907 map (26K) From Official Guide of the Railways, 1906.   Georgia's Railroad History & Heritage. Copyright, Steve Storey. Railroad History | The Depot List | Locomotives On Display | Odds & Ends | Sources & References | Home