Kilgore in Gregg County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Kilgore I&GN-Missouri Pacific Railroad Station
Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 31, 2019
1. The Kilgore I&GN-Missouri Pacific Railroad Station Marker
Inscription.
The Kilgore I&GN-Missouri Pacific Railroad Station. . The town of Kilgore was platted by the International Railroad Company after it purchased land for a townsite from C. B. "Buck" Kilgore, who had donated a 200-foot railroad right-of-way in 1871. Kilgore, a resident of Danville (4 mi. E), recognizing the economic opportunities afforded by the railroad, soon built a new home near the station. Many other Danville citizens followed Kilgore's lead, and a community was established and named for him.
This railroad station was completed in 1872 to provide passenger and freight service and to serve as a communications center for this agricultural and lumbering area. In 1931 oil was discovered in what became known as the East Texas Oil field, and the volume of shipments from the Kilgore station increased dramatically. Later, World War II provided the depot with a steady stream of troop trains.
The rail line became known as the Missouri Pacific in 1956. As automobile, bus, and air travel became more popular, rail traffic decreased, and in 1977 the Kilgore station was closed. The depot stands today as a reminder of the significant role rail transportation played in the growth and development of Kilgore and East Texas.
The town of Kilgore was platted by the International Railroad Company after it purchased land for a townsite from C. B. "Buck" Kilgore, who had donated a 200-foot railroad right-of-way in 1871. Kilgore, a resident of Danville (4 mi. E), recognizing the economic opportunities afforded by the railroad, soon built a new home near the station. Many other Danville citizens followed Kilgore's lead, and a community was established and named for him.
This railroad station was completed in 1872 to provide passenger and freight service and to serve as a communications center for this agricultural and lumbering area. In 1931 oil was discovered in what became known as the East Texas Oil field, and the volume of shipments from the Kilgore station increased dramatically. Later, World War II provided the depot with a steady stream of troop trains.
The rail line became known as the Missouri Pacific in 1956. As automobile, bus, and air travel became more popular, rail traffic decreased, and in 1977 the Kilgore station was closed. The depot stands today as a reminder of the significant role rail transportation played in the growth and development of Kilgore and East Texas.
Erected 1984 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9969.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic
Location. 32° 23.256′ N, 94° 52.555′ W. Marker is in Kilgore, Texas, in Gregg County. Marker is at the intersection of North Commerce Street and East North Street, on the left when traveling north on North Commerce Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 North Commerce Street, Kilgore TX 75662, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. The Kilgore I&GN-Missouri Pacific Railroad Station & Marker.
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, March 20, 2023
3. The Kilgore I&GN-Missouri Pacific Railroad Station
Credits. This page was last revised on March 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on September 5, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3. submitted on March 22, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas.
