Longview in Gregg County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
When Mule Power Moved People
1883
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
1. When Mule Power Moved People Marker
In 1883, seven prominent Longview residents chartered the Longview & Junction Railway Company. For nearly thirty years, it operated a mule-drawn trolley that ran between the Junction Depot located at the intersection of Methvin and Sixth Streets and the Texas & Pacific (T&P) Depot located on Fredonia Street just south of Tyler Street. Two types of cars were used. The more popular type for warmer seasons had open sides allowing for a comfortable breeze, while the winter replacement had closed sides and windows.
On arriving at one depot, the driver would unhitch the mule team, lead it to the other end of the trolley, and rehitch the team for the mile-long return trip. One of the trolley's most faithful passengers was a dog who, year-after-year, rode one-way from the Junction, hopped off at the T&P Depot, then raced back to the Junction to await the mules' return and the next ride downtown.
The mule-drawn trolley served Longview until September 1912, when it was replaced by an electric streetcar system.
Erected 1996 by the Board of Directors of One Hundred Acres of Heritage, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1912.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of James S. Hogg Newspaper (within shouting distance of this marker); Then Came the Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Longview Municipal Building and Central Fire Station (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); King Cotton (about 300 feet away); Timber – The First Industry (about 400 feet away); First Baptist Church of Longview (about 400 feet away); Dalton Gang's Last Raid (about 500 feet away); Kelly Plow Company (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Longview.
Also see . . . Stephen Austin State University article on the trolley system. (Submitted on September 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
2. Driver, Issac Smith shown with the winter trolley.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
3. View north towards KLTV building.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
4. Area view, south on South Fredonia Street
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
5. Texas & Pacific Depot area just across the railroad tracks.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 358 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
