Whistler was the location for a repair and servicing facility for the Mobile & Ohio, and was originally constructed at or just before the time of the Civil War. The shop area was extensive, and allowed the railroad to construct many of its own freight cars. During the Civil War, the M&O used these facilities to construct weapons for the Confederacy, including short flats carrying cannon barrels.

This image, taken in 1940, shows the complex as it likely appeared when the GM&O brought operations to their conclusion after the merger. During the Bay Shore's life, the locomotives were serviced at this facility.