Garland in Dallas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Railroads in Garland

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, February 1, 2026

1. Railroads in Garland Marker

Inscription. Due to the area's productive agricultural opportunities, rail owners began to take interest in establishing a rail line between Dallas and Greenville. In 1886, the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway (later acquired by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway) ran a track through what is now Garland, bypassing the existing town of Duck Creek by one mile and establishing a depot and newly platted community. The new town, Embree, named after Duck Creek physician Kelley H. Embree, grew as several Duck Creek residents and institutions moved to be close to the railroad. The next year, the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad ran a line of its own, laying track less than one mile south of Duck Creek, and platted a new town and a depot. Some residents of the existing Duck Creek, who had not already moved to Embree, moved to the new plat and called it "Duck Creek" or "New Duck Creek." When area leaders began to scout for a location for the post office, a bitter rivalry ensued between the two towns. To quell the harsh feelings, the new post office equidistant from the two towns, named Garland, was established in 1888.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

The town of Garland was incorporated on April 4, 1891. Garland eventually absorbed Duck Creek and Embree. Fire destroyed the original Santa Fe depot but the company built a new one in 1901.

The town of Garland grew because of its close connection to the rail industry, as agricultural crops transported by rail brought economic growth to the area. Automobile and road technology were in their infancy, therefore people often preferred to travel long distances by passenger railcars. Passenger accommodations like the Pullman Rail Car became showcases for the latest in transportation technology, including materials, lighting, airflow and passenger comfort. Passenger rail declined mid-century as automobile and airplane technology advanced.

Erected 2023 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23878.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is April 4, 1891.

Location. 32° 54.926′ N, 96° 38.311′ W. Marker is in Garland, Texas, in Dallas County. It is on North 6th Street north of Austin Street, on the left when

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, February 1, 2026

2. Railroads in Garland Marker

traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 393 N 6th St, Garland TX 75040, 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,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Santa Fe Railroad Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Roach Feed & Seed Co. (approx. ¼ mile away); Garland (approx. ¼ mile away); Bankhead Highway in Garland (approx. ¼ mile away); First Christian Church of Garland (approx. ¼ mile away); A. J. Head Service Station (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Methodist Church of Garland (approx. 0.3 miles away); Public Education in Garland (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Garland.

Pullman Railcar informational sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, February 1, 2026

3. Pullman Railcar informational sign

informational sign is to the right of marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 74 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 1, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.