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. 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. It 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.

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,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: KRBA-AM Radio Station (a few steps from this marker); Calder (Cotton) Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Rehearsal Hall for The Hoo Hoo Band

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Kerr's Inc. (within shouting distance of this marker); Lufkin Daily News (within shouting distance of this marker); Lufkin Telephone Exchange (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Angelina County (approx. ¼ mile away); First Baptist Church of Lufkin (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lufkin.

Photographed by Steve Gustafson, March 23, 2010

2. The Depot Explosion and Mystery Marker

Photographed by Steve Gustafson, March 23, 2010

3. The Depot Explosion and Mystery Marker

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 23, 2023

4. The Depot Explosion and Mystery Marker

View from across the street

The Depot Explosion and Mystery informational sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 23, 2023

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 2,711 times since then and 51 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.