Tyler in Smith County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Tyler Tap Railroad
Photographed By Randal B. Gilbert, December 6, 2015
1. Tyler Tap Railroad Marker
Inscription.
Tyler Tap Railroad. . To provide for shipment of locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and cotton to distant markets, a group of Tyler citizens proposed a railroad to connect the town with major rail lines nearby. The promoters included R.B. Hubbard, later governor of Texas; James P. Douglas, onetime state senator; W.S. Herndon, A.M. Ferguson, and J.H. Brown. In 1871 the state legislature accepted their proposal and chartered the Tyler Tap Railroad to join with the Texas and Pacific Railroad or the International and Great Northern Railroad within 40 miles of Tyler. Local organizers decided to link with the Texas and Pacific at Big Sandy. Actual construction was delayed until 1875, with the first train running Oct. 1, 1877. Funds for the tap line were to be secured by sale of stock, but when private financing failed to raise enough money, the legislature agreed to award state land for each mile of track completed., Although organized and promoted by local citizens, the Tyler Tap Line soon attracted other investors. In 1879, under a new charter, it was renamed the Texas and St. Louis Railway, with headquarters in Tyler. It was reorganized again in 1891 as the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, commonly known as the Cotton Belt, with general offices still located here.
To provide for shipment of locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and cotton to distant markets, a group of Tyler citizens proposed a railroad to connect the town with major rail lines nearby. The promoters included R.B. Hubbard, later governor of Texas; James P. Douglas, onetime state senator; W.S. Herndon, A.M. Ferguson, and J.H. Brown. In 1871 the state legislature accepted their proposal and chartered the Tyler Tap Railroad to join with the Texas & Pacific Railroad or the International & Great Northern Railroad within 40 miles of Tyler. Local organizers decided to link with the Texas & Pacific at Big Sandy. Actual construction was delayed until 1875, with the first train running Oct. 1, 1877. Funds for the tap line were to be secured by sale of stock, but when private financing failed to raise enough money, the legislature agreed to award state land for each mile of track completed.
Although organized and promoted by local citizens, the Tyler Tap Line soon attracted other investors. In 1879, under a new charter, it was renamed the Texas & St. Louis Railway, with headquarters in Tyler. It was reorganized again in 1891 as the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, commonly known as the Cotton Belt, with general offices still located here.
Erected 1975 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker
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Number 7764.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is October 1, 1877.
Location. 32° 21.283′ N, 95° 17.894′ W. Marker is in Tyler, Texas, in Smith County. Marker is on East Oakwood Street east of North Spring Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 E Oakwood St, Tyler TX 75702, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 6, 2015, by Randal B. Gilbert of Tyler, Texas. This page has been viewed 420 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 6, 2015, by Randal B. Gilbert of Tyler, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
