Victoria in Victoria County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of Southern Pacific Railroad Depot
In 1882, the proposed New York, Texas & Mexican Railroad completed a stretch of track from Rosenberg to Victoria and established its line headquarters here. Three years later it was sold to the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. Southern Pacific built a depot at this site in 1888-89 to serve arriving and departing passengers and to house its headquarters. Later, Victoria served as division headquarters for the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railroad.
The two-story depot had a baggage room, waiting rooms, and ticket offices on its first floor, with the division's general offices and the dispatcher housed on the second floor. It often served as a gathering place for community social functions.
The last passenger train left Victoria in 1953, but the depot remained in use for various purposes until 1979. Although the depot burned in 1984, its history is a reminder of the railroad's importance as a vital part of the economic and physical growth of Victoria.
Texas Sesquicentennial 1936-1986
Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission . (Marker Number 6568.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 28° 47.749′ N, 96° 59.942′ W. Marker is in Victoria, Texas, in Victoria County. Marker is at the intersection of East Santa Rosa Street and South Cameron Street, on the right when traveling east on East Santa Rosa Street. The marker is located at the end of the street near the railroad tracks. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 East Santa Rosa Street, Victoria TX 77901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Palestine Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Webster Chapel United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Pela House (approx. 0.3 miles away); The "Victoria Advocate" (approx. 0.3 miles away); Goldman Ginnery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Memorial Square (approx. 0.4 miles away); Old Federal Building (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 175 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 21, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.