New Braunfels in Comal County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
International & Great Northern Railroad in New Braunfels
The railroad dramatically affected the economy of New Braunfels. With the rail outlet, the town could send goods to market and receive products from other cities more effectively. In addition, the railroad sparked tourism in the area, particularly beginning in the late 1890s. It was during this time that Helen Gould, daughter of railroad financier Jay Gould, visited the town. She proposed that the I&GN build a spur track into a beautiful piece of land owned by Harry Landa, which would become known as Landa Park. I&GN built the spur, and soon the park became a popular tourist destination in central Texas, drawing visitors by rail. Today, the park remains the city's primary public recreational site.
In 1926, a subsidiary of the Missouri Pacific Railroad bought out the I&GN and by the middle of the 20th century, the railroad's importance decreased. After merging into the Union Pacific Railroad system in 1986, the Missouri Pacific Railroad donated the 1907 I&GN station to the City of New Braunfels. Today, the former station is home to the New Braunfels Railroad Museum.
Erected 2006 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13661.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.
Location. 29° 42.067′ N, 98° 7.591′ W. Marker is in New Braunfels, Texas, in Comal County. Marker is at the intersection of West San Antonio Street and Hill Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West San Antonio Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels TX 78130, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Louis Henne Co. (within shouting distance of this marker); Plumeyer Bakery Building (within shouting distance of this marker); New Braunfels 1918 Fire Station (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Spaß und Gemütlichkeit (about 500 feet away); 1915 New Braunfels Post Office (about 600 feet away); Site of New Braunfels Academy (about 600 feet away); Hinmann House (about 600 feet away); The New Braunfels Herald (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Braunfels.
Also see . . . International-Great Northern Railroad - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on February 20, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 292 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 20, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.