Columbus in Colorado County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Columbus Tap Railway
The Buffalo Bayou, Brazos & Colorado—first railway built in Texas—in the 1850s mapped its route from Houston to Austin through Alleyton (3 mi. E), bypassing Columbus. To retain their town's supremacy in its trade area, Columbus citizens projected a railway of their own, to tap into the B.B.B.&C., at Alleyton.
Organizers were A.M. Campbell, John G. Louge, George W. Smith, C.W. Tait, Isam Tooke, and J.W.E. Wallace — influential planters, merchants, physicians, and judges. Columbus Tap Railway was chartered on Feb. 2, 1860. John G. Logue became president, soon succeeded by E.P. Whitfield. C.W. Tait was treasurer; C. Windrow, clerk. Bonds were issued and construction plans made.
The Civil War, beginning in 1861, disrupted plans. Although the railway proved to be needed by the Confederate Army, and Gen. J.B. Magruder ordered (1863) impressment of 100 men to work on its roadbed, the project failed to reach completion in the war years.
After war ended in 1865, the line was built to the river, where a ferry gave the city rail service. Later the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio (corporate successor of the B.B.B.&C. and the Columbus Tap) ran its line from Columbus to San Antonio. In 1880s this became part of the Southern Pacific System.
Erected 1973 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 984.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1827.
Location. 29° 42.436′ N, 96° 32.363′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Texas, in Colorado County. Marker is at the intersection of Travis Street and Crockett Street, on the right when traveling south on Travis Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus TX 78934, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Joseph Jefferson Mansfield (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Menefee (about 400 feet away); Columbus Oak (about 400 feet away); District Court Tree (about 400 feet away); Rosenfield Building (about 400 feet away); Brunson Building (about 400 feet away); Saint John's Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away); Old General Store (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Also see . . . Columbus Tap Railway in the Handbook of Texas. (Submitted on September 3, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 528 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Joe Lotz of Denton, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 3, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.