Abilene in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Texas & Pacific Railway

First Railroad Across West Texas

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 19, 2015

1. The Texas & Pacific Railway Marker

Inscription. Chartered March 3, 1871, by Act of U.S. Congress, to build a railroad to the Pacific Coast, the Texas & Pacific Railway Company, under leadership of Colonel Thomas A. Scott, President, began construction across West Texas in 1880. General Grenville M. Dodge, civil engineer and builder of the Union Pacific was in charge. The first train reached the Abilene area in early January 1881 and a station opened for business here on February 28, 1881. The office was in a boxcar at the present Pine Street overpass.

As a policy during its era of construction, the Texas & Pacific promoted the settlement of West Texas. Encouraged by local ranchers, agents of the railway held on March 15, 1881, the first auction of lots in Abilene townsite. On that day 178 lots were sold for $27,550.00. The wisdom of the purchases has since been well confirmed, for Abilene is now the business, agricultural, transportation, medical, educational and cultural center for Central West Texas.

Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 5242.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 32° 26.951′ N, 99°

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44.027′ W. Marker is in Abilene, Texas, in Taylor County. Marker is at the intersection of North 1st Street and Pine Street, on the left when traveling west on North 1st Street. Marker is in Everman Park next to the T&P Depot that houses the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1101 N 1st St, Abilene TX 79601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Texas & Pacific Railroad Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hotel Grace (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Curfew by John J. Clinton (about 300 feet away); Pine Street Shootout (about 300 feet away); The Bankhead Highway (about 600 feet away); Taylor County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hotel Wooten (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abilene.

Also see . . . Texas and Pacific Railway. From the Texas State Historical Association's "Handbook of Texas Online". (Submitted on July 19, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)

The Texas & Pacific Railway Marker in Everman Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 19, 2015

2. The Texas & Pacific Railway Marker in Everman Park

Marker is located next to the park fountain

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 19, 2015

3. The Texas & Pacific Railway Marker

Elevated railroad tracks are located behind marker

View to East from Sidewalk in Front of T&P Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 19, 2015

4. View to East from Sidewalk in Front of T&P Depot

Marker is to the right near the park fountain

Photographed By Kayla Harper, November 16, 2018

5. The Texas & Pacific Railway Marker

Everman Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 19, 2015

6. Everman Park

The Restored T&P Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 19, 2015

7. The Restored T&P Depot

Depot is located west of Everman Park and the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2012, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona. This page has been viewed 739 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 19, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 5. submitted on November 19, 2018, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. 6, 7. submitted on July 19, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.