Rockdale in Milam County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Railroads in Rockdale
Photographed By Jim Evans, June 8, 2014
1. Railroads in Rockdale Marker
Inscription.
Railroads in Rockdale. . Rockdale owes its founding to the International and Great Northern rail line, along which the town was laid out in 1873-74. The railroad gave area farmers access to markets for their crops, and Rockdale became a shipping point for farmers and other local businesses. The San Antonio and Aransas Pass (later Southern Pacific) Railroad operated a north-south route through Rockdale from 1891 to 1959, further contributing to economic growth. The Rockdale, Sandow and Southern Railroad, chartered in 1923 to carry lignite coal to area customers, became Rockdale's third rail line. Although the last passenger train left Rockdale in 1970, the railroad remains a significant part of the community's heritage.
Rockdale owes its founding to the International & Great Northern rail line, along which the town was laid out in 1873-74. The railroad gave area farmers access to markets for their crops, and Rockdale became a shipping point for farmers and other local businesses. The San Antonio & Aransas Pass (later Southern Pacific) Railroad operated a north-south route through Rockdale from 1891 to 1959, further contributing to economic growth. The Rockdale, Sandow and Southern Railroad, chartered in 1923 to carry lignite coal to area customers, became Rockdale's third rail line. Although the last passenger train left Rockdale in 1970, the railroad remains a significant part of the community's heritage.
Erected 2001 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12561.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 30° 39.275′ N, 97° 0.056′ W. Marker is in Rockdale, Texas, in Milam County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and West Milam Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 North Main Street, Rockdale TX 76567, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, September 25, 2022
2. Railroads in Rockdale Marker
Photographed By Jim Evans
3. International & Great Northern Railroad Passenger Depot
Photographed By Jim Evans
4. International & Great Northern Railroad Passenger Car and Caboose
Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 645 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on June 14, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 2. submitted on November 12, 2022, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 3, 4. submitted on June 14, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.