Historical Marker

College Station Railroad Depots

Historical marker location:
College Station, Texas
( On the Texas A&M campus, on Old Main Drive just E of its intersection with Welborn Rd. (FM 2154), College Station.)
Marker installed: 1993
Marker size: 27" x 42"

In 1871 Texas Governor Edmund Davis appointed three Commissioners to select a site for the newly established Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (Texas A&M College). The Commissioners chose this location in large part because of the existence of a Houston and Texas Central (H&TC) Railroad line which began in Southeast Texas and extended through this area to its terminus in Bryan (5 mi. north).

Although no railroad depot existed here at the time of Texas A&M's formal opening in 1876, H&TC made regular stops here for incoming and outgoing college students and faculty. H&TC railroad conductor announcements referring to to this stop as College Station gave rise to the name of the surrounding community.

H&TC constructed a new depot about 1900. The H&TC depots and another built by the International & Great Northern (IGN) Railroad just east of this site in 1900 were for many students who attended Texas A&M the first remembrance of their collegiate experience.

Railroad depots owned by the H&TC (later Southern Pacific) and IGN (later Missouri Pacific) maintained passenger service at this location until 1959. In 1966 the last of the depot structures was razed

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

railroad education
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
Texas random facts
Brazos County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its establishment in 1841. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Tonkawa peoples. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1820s, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources of the region.

The county was officially created in 1841 and named after the Brazos River that flows through the area. During the mid-19th century, Brazos County experienced significant economic growth due to the expansion of cotton farming. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s further spurred development, leading to the establishment of new towns such as Bryan, which later became the county seat.

Brazos County played an important role in the Civil War, with many of its residents supporting the Confederacy. Throughout the war, Union troops occasionally invaded the county, leading to skirmishes between soldiers and local militias. The end of the war brought an era of reconstruction and the county, like many others in the South, faced significant economic challenges as it struggled to rebuild.

In the 20th century, Brazos County experienced steady growth and development. The presence of Texas A&M University, which was established in 1876, has had a major impact on the county's economy and cultural landscape. Today, Brazos County is a vibrant community known for its educational institutions, agriculture, and rich history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Brazos County, Texas.

  • 1821 - Mexico gains independence from Spain, including the area that would become Brazos County.
  • 1837 - Brazos County is officially founded and named after the Brazos River.
  • 1854 - Texas A&M University is established in Brazos County.
  • 1861 - The Civil War begins, affecting Brazos County and leading to economic challenges.
  • 1882 - The first railroad reaches Bryan, the county seat of Brazos County, enhancing transportation and trade.
  • 1900 - The town of Marystown, later renamed College Station, is established near Texas A&M University.
  • 1930 - The area experiences significant population growth due to the expansion of Texas A&M University.
  • 1943 - During World War II, the Bryan Air Base is established in Brazos County, contributing to the local economy.
  • 1970 - George Bush, future President of the United States, moves to College Station and becomes involved in local politics.
  • 1999 - The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is opened at Texas A&M University.