Ennis in Ellis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Southern Pacific Railroad in Ennis

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, March 22, 2026

1. The Southern Pacific Railroad in Ennis Marker

Inscription.

In 1887 the City of Ennis was established at this site, the northern terminus of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad (later part of the Southern Pacific Railroad). The city is named after early railroad official Cornelius Ennis. Expansion by the railroad at this location in 1891 spurred decades of agricultural, commercial, and industrial growth. Completion of lakes for the railroad's use and the construction of shops, a roundhouse, and offices earned Ennis renown as the junction of railroads and cotton fields. The lakes and several railroad buildings remain.

Erected 1992 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7151.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Southern Pacific Railroad series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. 32° 19.71′ N, 96° 37.611′ W. Marker is in Ennis, Texas, in Ellis County. It is at the intersection of Northeast Main Street and East Ennis Avenue (Business Highway 287), on the left when traveling north on Northeast Main Street. The marker is located at the front of the Ennis Railroad & Cultural Heritage Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Northeast Main Street, Ennis TX 75119, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

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,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Railroads in Ennis (within shouting distance of this marker); Town of Ennis (within shouting distance of this marker); Pierce Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Ennis Bluebonnet Trails (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Katie Daffan (about 400 feet away); Ennis National Bank Building (about 400 feet away); Minnie McDowal (about 700 feet away); LaJuan Schlegel (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ennis.

Also see . . . Houston and Texas Central Railway. On September 1, 1856, the company was renamed Houston and Texas Central Railway Company. By April 22, 1861, the railroad was open eighty-one miles to Millican, but the Civil War prevented any additional construction until 1867. Source: The Handbook of Texas (Submitted on January 17, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Southern Pacific Railroad in Ennis Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 11, 2021

2. Southern Pacific Railroad in Ennis Marker

In front of the Railroad Museum.

Cellphone Audiotour of the Ennis Railroad Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 11, 2021

3. Cellphone Audiotour of the Ennis Railroad Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on May 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 743 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 13, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on January 17, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.