Lufkin in Angelina County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Depot Explosion and Mystery
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, April 23, 2023
1. The Depot Explosion and Mystery Marker
Inscription.
The Depot Explosion and Mystery. . On the evening of March 2, 1913, an explosion destroyed the Houston, East and West Texas Railroad depot at this site, disrupting the town's vital source of transportation and trade. Although a body was not discovered, it was presumed a railroad employee had been killed in the mishap. He was later declared legally dead and his stepmother collected on his insurance. In 1916, however, he was returned to Lufkin by Judge E.J. Mantooth, a local attorney acting on behalf of the insurance firms. The railroad employee stood trial for insurance fraud, but was subsequently acquitted.
On the evening of March 2, 1913, an explosion destroyed the Houston, East & West Texas Railroad depot at this site, disrupting the town's vital source of transportation and trade. Although a body was not discovered, it was presumed a railroad employee had been killed in the mishap. He was later declared legally dead and his stepmother collected on his insurance. In 1916, however, he was returned to Lufkin by Judge E.J. Mantooth, a local attorney acting on behalf of the insurance firms. The railroad employee stood trial for insurance fraud, but was subsequently acquitted.
Erected 1982 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 6988.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is March 2, 1995.
Location. 31° 20.342′ N, 94° 43.801′ W. Marker is in Lufkin, Texas, in Angelina County. Marker is at the intersection of Angelina Street and Cotton Square, on the right when traveling north on Angelina Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lufkin TX 75901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
5. The Depot Explosion and Mystery informational sign
Next to marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,892 times since then and 106 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on April 25, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on March 27, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. 4, 5. submitted on April 25, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.