Ballinger in Runnels County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Abilene & Southern Depot

By Duane Hall, July 13, 2016

1. Abilene & Southern Depot Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Morgan Jones (1840-1926), a Welsh-born railroad builder, and his nephews Morgan C. (1876-1964) and Percy Jones (1885-1951) built the Abilene & Southern Rail Line in 1909 between Abilene and Ballinger. This stone structure was finished soon after the first train arrived, Sept. 9, 1909. The design, with octagonal twin towers, was unusual for depots of that era. The railroad did a flourishing passenger and freight business. Passenger service ended in 1941 and freight service in 1966.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1978

Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14601.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is September 9, 1909.

Location. 31° 44.167′ N, 99° 56.712′ W. Marker is in Ballinger, Texas, in Runnels County. Marker is on S. 7th Street (U.S. 83) south of Sealy Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ballinger TX 76821, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Charles H. Noyes (approx. 0.2 miles away); Runnels County Courthouse

Abilene & Southern Depot image. Click for full size.

By Duane Hall, July 13, 2016

2. Abilene & Southern Depot

View to northeast from S. 7th St

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Ballinger (approx. 0.2 miles away); Runnels County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Company C, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Division (approx. 0.2 miles away); Runnels County (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colorado River Ferry Crossing (approx. 0.3 miles away); War on Terror Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ballinger.

Also see . . . Abilene and Southern Railway. From the Texas State Historical Association’s “Handbook of Texas Online”. (Submitted on July 17, 2016.)

By Duane Hall, July 13, 2016

3. Abilene & Southern Depot

Southwest and southeast elevations of building

View to Northwest Along S. 7th Street (US 83) Towards Downtown Ballinger image. Click for full size.

By Duane Hall, July 13, 2016

4. View to Northwest Along S. 7th Street (US 83) Towards Downtown Ballinger

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 311 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 17, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.