LAST -- Mile of the Houston & Texas Central Railroad line to Austin, Austin TX
N 30° 15.908 W 097° 44.682
14R E 620752 N 3348831
Austin Texas, the western terminus of the Houston & Texas Central Railroad
Waymark Code: WMTENN
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 11/12/2016
Views: 4
This historic marker regarding important railroad history in Austin for two historic Texas railroads (both defunct) is located at 301 Congress Avenue in Austin TX.
When the Houston & Texas Central Railroad finally arrived in 1871, Austin became the western terminus for the railroad, a status that it held until the dissolution of the H&TC in the 1930s.
The marker reads as follows:
"H&TC and I&GN DEPOTS
On December 25, 1871, the first train rolled into Austin over Waller Creek, bringing with it hope, prosperity and progress. The Houston and Texas Central (H&TC) Railroad made Austin its westernmost terminus in the state and the most prominent trading hub in central Texas. The railroad brought growth and success to the city and a depot of a first class nature was needed.
After thirty years of public debate, legal maneuvers and economic constraints, the depot was finally completed in 1902 at the northeast corner of Third Street and Congress Avenue. The depot was designed with stained glass windows, a wrought iron staircase and an ornate fireplace. Beginning in 1904, the H&TC began sharing the depot with the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (M-K-T), better known as “the Katy,” which ran service until 1964. The depot was demolished in 1965.
In 1876, the International and Great Northern (I&GN) opened the second rail line to Austin, becoming the city’s major rail line for many years. Citizens again suggested a depot be built which mirrored the stature Austin now held within the state. In 1888, I&GN hired Gustav Wilke, who built the State Capitol, to build the new depot at the southwest corner of Third and Congress. It included granite trimmings, red oak, and a slate roof. I&GN and its successor, the Missouri Pacific, ran trains out of the depot until 1949, when a new depot was built on Lamar Boulevard. The I&GN Depot was demolished in 1955.
These depots represented the influential and important position Austin held as the state capital. They also helped bring commerce, transportation, and sophistication to the burgeoning city and highlighted Austin’s promise as passengers stepped off the trains. (2010)
Marker is the Property of the State of Texas"