Near Belton in Bell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway Planing Mill
Photographed By Keith Peterson, February 2, 2008
1. Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway Planing Mill Marker
Inscription.
Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway Planing Mill. . Built in 1912 at the Santa Fe rail yards in Temple, this planing mill was part of a complex of buildings that housed repair facilities for the railroad. Workers at the mill manufactured replacement parts for wooden elements of the Santa Fe's boxcars and early wooden passenger cars. Heavy timbers used in the building's construction were assembled in such a manner to handle the pounding of heavy machinery inside. In use until the late 1940s, the mill was moved to this location in 1989 to save it from demolition. Although no longer sited along the railroad route, it still serves as a reminder of the significant role the Santa Fe played in the industrial development of Bell County.
Built in 1912 at the Santa Fe rail yards in Temple, this planing mill was part of a complex of buildings that housed repair facilities for the railroad. Workers at the mill manufactured replacement parts for wooden elements of the Santa Fe's boxcars and early wooden passenger cars. Heavy timbers used in the building's construction were assembled in such a manner to handle the pounding of heavy machinery inside. In use until the late 1940s, the mill was moved to this location in 1989 to save it from demolition. Although no longer sited along the railroad route, it still serves as a reminder of the significant role the Santa Fe played in the industrial development of Bell County.
Erected 2001 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12575.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.
Location. 30° 59.81′ N, 97° 29.803′ W. Marker is near Belton, Texas, in Bell County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of I-35 Frontage Rd and Tahuaya Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Belton TX 76513, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Little River Fort (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bell County (approx. 0.6
2. Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway Planing Mill
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2010, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,456 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 31, 2010, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photo of the marker and the surrounding area in context. • Can you help?
