During the Coweta County Board of Commissioners meeting on December 5, 2024, a significant discussion emerged regarding the preservation of a historic building in Madras. Susan Smith, a lifelong resident and retired educator, passionately advocated for the small yellow building located between the railroad tracks and Highway 29. This structure, built in 1851 by the Atlanta and West Point Railroad, has served various purposes over its long history, including functioning as a maintenance building and later a depot.

Smith emphasized the building's historical importance, noting its role in the development of Coweta County and its contributions during the Civil War. The building housed the Madras post office for several decades, further embedding it in the community's history. After the railroad ceased operations, the Oliver Gentry family acquired the building and later deeded it to the county in 2017, with the hope that it would be relocated to Magriss Park.

However, the future of the depot is now uncertain. The property it occupies is owned by CSX railroad, which recently demolished an adjacent house, raising concerns that the depot could face a similar fate. Smith urged the commissioners to leverage their resources and creativity to protect this historic treasure, drawing parallels to previous efforts to relocate other historic structures in the area.

The meeting highlighted the community's commitment to preserving its heritage, as Smith was joined by Steve Minix, who presented findings from an evaluation of the depot, and Anne Marie Gentry Baker, representing the Gentry family. Their collective efforts underscore the importance of safeguarding Coweta County's historical landmarks for future generations.

As the meeting concluded, the board was left to consider the implications of the building's potential loss and the community's desire to see it preserved. The discussions reflect a broader concern for maintaining the county's historical identity amidst ongoing development pressures.