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 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

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lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 32° 23.256′ N, 94° 52.555′ W. Marker is in Kilgore, Texas, in Gregg County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Drilling Completed, 1940 (within shouting distance of this marker); Removal (within shouting distance of this marker); Before 1937 Drilling Began (within shouting distance of this marker); During Drilling (within shouting distance of this marker); World's Richest Acre (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lou Della Crim Home (about 400 feet away); Kilgore National Bank Building (about 700 feet away); Site of Alexander Institute (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kilgore.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 31, 2019

2. The Kilgore I&GN-Missouri Pacific Railroad Station & Marker.

The Kilgore I&GN-Missouri Pacific Railroad Station image. Click for full size.

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 728 times since then and 43 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.