Bill Blair stands on the bank of Camp Creek in McDonough. He is a descendant of J.R. Florida who lost his life in Georgia’s worst train wreck on June 23, 1900. Blair and his family traveled from Tennessee to visit the site and learn more about Florida.
From left: Clifford Bass, Bill Blair, John Cook and Justin Cook. On the second row are siblings John and Clara Cook, children of Justin Cook. All are descendants of J.R. Florida who died in the Camp Creek train wreck on June 23, 1900.
This photograph taken in June 1900 shows what’s considered the state’s worst train wreck in history. The accident happened in McDonough on June 23, 1900 causing the death of 39 people.
Descendants of J.R. Florida turn to watch a train cross Camp Creek. Florida died on June 23, 1900 in what’s considered the state’s worst train wreck in McDonough.
From left: Clifford Bass, Bill Blair, John Cook and Justin Cook. On the second row are siblings John and Clara Cook, children of Justin Cook. All are descendants of J.R. Florida who died in the Camp Creek train wreck on June 23, 1900.
Staff Photo: Heather Middleton
J.R. Florida was one of 39 people who died in the Camp Creek train wreck on June 23, 1900.
Staff Photo: Heather Middleton
Descendants of J.R. Florida turn to watch a train cross Camp Creek. Florida died on June 23, 1900 in what’s considered the state’s worst train wreck in McDonough.
Staff Photo: Heather Middleton
Children of J.R. and Mollie Florida, Ruth and Earl.
Special Photo
Mollie Florida, wife of J.R. Florida.
Special Photo
From left: John Cook, Justin Cook, John Cook, Bill Blair, Clifford Bass and Clara Cook.
Staff Photo: Heather Middleton
J.R. Florida is pictured with one of his children.
Special Photo
John Cook stands on the bank of Camp Creek gazing at the train trestle that in 1900 was washed out causing the worst train wreck in Georgia's history.
McDONOUGH — The past, present and future converged to create a single moment in time on the banks of Camp Creek last week.
Five family members stood on the creek’s bank surrounded by white memorial crosses, one of which bears the name of a man they never met, but who is ultimately responsible for their birth.
This photograph taken in June 1900 shows what’s considered the state’s worst train wreck in history. The accident happened in McDonough on June 23, 1900 causing the death of 39 people.
Bill Blair stands on the bank of Camp Creek in McDonough. He is a descendant of J.R. Florida who lost his life in Georgia’s worst train wreck on June 23, 1900. Blair and his family traveled from Tennessee to visit the site and learn more about Florida.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.