Blaine and Diane Smith, descendants of enslaved people, own 600 acres of family land in Sparta, Georgia — property their ancestors once worked as slaves but later purchased in 1920. Their land has become the center of a legal battle after the Georgia Public Service Commission approved Sandersville Railroad Company's use of eminent domain to seize part of their property. The railroad plans to build a 4.5-mile spur line to transport concrete materials, which the Smiths argue will damage their land's value, safety, and legacy.
Despite fighting the ruling with help from the Institute for Justice — arguing the project doesn't meet the criteria for "public use" — a Fulton County judge sided with the railroad company. The Smith family is now appealing to the Georgia Supreme Court, determined to protect their family's history and rightful ownership.
This case highlights the potential risks all property owners face from eminent domain laws — especially in areas with valuable or historic land. Infrastructure projects like railroads, highways, or utility expansions can impact private property rights, sometimes without the owner's consent. Staying informed about proposed developments in your area — and knowing your legal rights — is essential to protecting your property value, history, and legacy.
