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The operational history of Texas
railroads began in 1853, with the construction of a 20-mile section of
the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos, and Colorado Railroad between Harrisburg and
Stafford's Point. Over the next 25 years, the rail network in
Texas would grow to nearly 2500 miles, and Texas would lead the nation
in rail mileage by 1911 - a position it still holds today.
The railroad was a major influence both culturally and economically.
Jobs were created or lost, land values rose or fell, and whole towns
were created, picked up and moved, or abandoned, all based on the
proximity of the railroad lines. The railroads influenced
political races, business fortunes, and even the outcome of wars.
Prior to the advent of widespread electronic communication, the local
depot was often the place to get the news first because it usually had a
telegraph.
Much has changed since the heyday of the railroads, which are primarily
long-haul carriers now, but their influence on our culture and economy
can still be felt. Tourist organizations and museums interpret
this railroad influence both present and past, and are a great way to
spend a few hours or a few days. Although all members of the TRTA
have a common thread, each is a unique and worthwhile experience.
Please visit us on your travels through Texas.
Calendar of
Festivals, Events and Special Exhibits:
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April 26, 2008
- New Braunfels Railroad Museum -
New Braunfels, Texas - "Model RR Jamboree"
9AM
to 5:00PM at the N.B. Civic Center 380 S. Seguin St.
Admission: $6 Adults (18 & Older) $2 Teens (13-17 Yrs.
Old) $1 Child (5-12 Yrs. Old)
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April 26, 2008
- Harvey House of Slaton, Texas -
"Model Trains"
9AM
to 4:00PM. The Lubbock County Model Railroad
Association invites you to a day of train viewing at the
Slaton Harvey House.
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May 11, 2008 -
Rosenberg Railroad Museum -
Rosenberg, Texas - "Mother's Day Special"
1-5PM. Bring your mother in for her special day at
the museum. Mothers accompanied by her child, children
or grandchildren will be admitted free and give a
special mother’s day corsage.
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May 17-18, 2008
- Texas Transportation Museum -
San Antonio, Texas - "Model T's at TTM"
10AM to 5PM. At "Model Ts @ TTM" the cars
will break free from behind the velvet rope, where you
see them at most museums. You will be able to experience
these great vehicles running around the museum's unpaved
roads, just like those that existed back in 1908 when
the Ford Model T was first introduced. All the museum's
regular activities will be available during "Model Ts @
TTM." There will be scheduled train rides every 45
minutes beginning at 12:00 Noon. Both the indoor HO
model train layout and the outdoor "G" scale garden
model railroad will be in operation. In addition,
weather permitting, there will be a special hay ride,
pulled by an antique John Deer tractor.
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May 17-18, 2008
- Galveston Railroad Museum -
Galveston, Texas - "Third Annual Train Show"
10AM to 5PM Saturday and Sunday. There will be all
sizes of model trains running, vendor's, and locomotive
& caboose rides. Children under 12 free, adults $8.00,
train rides are $5.00.
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June 28-29, 2008
- Austin Steam Train Association -
Burnet, Texas - "Railfair Festival"
9AM to 5PM Saturday and 10AM to 4PM Sunday.
Activities at Railfair include a static display of
railroad rolling stock and equipment, working model
railroad layouts, railroad motor car rides, and our
rolling railroad museum. Also in Burnet on Saturday is
Market Days on the courthouse square featuring arts and
crafts vendors, and the Burnet Ole Time Fiddler's
Contest concludes on Saturday. Passengers on either
train receive free admission to the Vendor Show
featuring railroad antiques and collectibles, model
railroad equipment and other railroad related items.
Admission is $3 for guests who do not ride the train
during Railfair. We are operating the Railfair Local
departing from Burnet on a round-trip ride to Bertram
during Railfair weekend. Railfans can disembark at the
historic Bertram train station to photograph the Hill
Country Flyer as it passes, and then ride the Local back
to Burnet. Railfair Local 1 departs from Burnet 10:00am
to meet the westbound Hill Country Flyer in Bertram,
then returns to Burnet by 1:00pm Railfair Local 2
departs from Burnet 2:45pm ahead of the Hill Country
Flyer, is passed by the eastbound Hill Country Flyer at
Bertram and then returns to Burnet by 5:00pm Railfair
Local (Burnet to Bertram Round-trip) * Coach ticket:
Adult $12, Child $8, Senior $11 (Windows can be opened,
no air conditioning) * City of Chicago Lounge ticket:
Adult $22, Child $14, Senior $20 (First Class Pullman)
Call (512) 477-8468 for reservations.
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