Brenham in Washington County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Southern Pacific Freight Depot
Photographed By James Hulse, January 16, 2021
1. Southern Pacific Freight Depot Marker
In the early 1860s, local residents built a county rail line to connect to the Houston & Texas Central Railway, which bought the line in 1869. Brenham became a regional distribution center, and its population grew dramatically. Circa 1916, the H&TC, then owned by Southern Pacific Railroad Co., built this depot. Southern Pacific maintained a presence in Brenham until 1975. The brick rectangular building retains its original brick and limestone stringcourses and Prairie School influenced corbelled pendants. Today it serves as a reminder of the town's early growth as a railroad center.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2003
Erected 2003 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14930.)
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 1869.
Location. 30° 9.956′ N, 96° 23.754′ W. Marker is in Brenham, Texas, in Washington County. Marker is on South Market Street
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bassett and Bassett Banking House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Texas Confederate County Commissioners Court (about 700 feet away); The Brenham Maifest (about 700 feet away); KTTX/KWHI Building (about 700 feet away); Schmid Bros. Building (about 700 feet away); Site of Old St. Anthony Hotel (about 700 feet away); Former Bank Building of Giddings & Giddings (about 800 feet away); Washington County All Veterans Memorial (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brenham.
Also see . . . Southern Pacific System. commonly called the Southern Pacific, operates several transcontinental railroad routes connecting the Pacific Coast with the gateway cities of Chicago, St. Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans. The company was originally chartered in California on December 2, 1865, as the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. Between that date and March 10, 1902, a total of seven Southern Pacific Railroad companies were chartered and operated, the last of which was merged with the Southern Pacific Company on September 30, 1955. Source: The Handbook of Texas (Submitted on January 21, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed By James Hulse, January 16, 2021
2. Southern Pacific Freight Depot and Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, January 16, 2021
3. The view of the Southern Pacific Freight Depot from the south
Photographed By James Hulse, January 16, 2021
4. The Southern Pacific Freight Depot is along the Railroad tracks.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 183 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 21, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
