Santa Fe Railroad Station
Washington Ave. between E. Depot and E. Adams Sts., Brownwood, TXThe Santa Fe Railroad Passenger Station in Brownwood, Texas, is one of the few large depots remaining intact in the state. Built at a time when rail travel was at its peak in the Southwest, the station represents an outstanding example of the Prairie style from the first decade of the twentieth century. Despite its present deteriorated condition, the building represents excellent adaptive use potential which could alleviate a socially declining neighborhood as well as restore a vital link with the Santa Fe Railroad's illustrious past in Brownwood.
The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad initiated passenger service to Brownwood on December 31, 1885. Crowds lined the tracks as engine No. 27 pulled a string of wooden coaches into town. This historic event put an end to the dependence of the community on a horse, mule, and ox-drawn wagon trains for supplies.
The first depot was built in 1885 on a site directly opposite the present station. This building burned on November 23, 1892, and was replaced with a wooden freight station, which was transported on ten flat cars from Paris, Texas. The freight station remained on the site of the original station until 1909 when it was moved two blocks to the east to make room for the new facility.
The present station was completed in 1909 to meet the demands of a growing passenger business in Brownwood. Selected from several designs submitted by the architectural department of the Santa Fe Railroad, the structure represents an outstanding example of the Prairie style in Texas. Original design proposals are filed in the Santa Fe headquarters office in Chicago.
In the pre-dining car era of railroad passenger travel, patrons depended on restaurants near the station for meals. The first restaurant across from the station was built in 1885 with the advent of passenger service in Brownwood. This popular establishment was operated by Mrs. Bertha McDermott until a new facility was added to the station in 1911.
Local significance of the building:
The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad initiated passenger service to Brownwood on December 31, 1885. Crowds lined the tracks as engine No. 27 pulled a string of wooden coaches into town. This historic event put an end to the dependence of the community on a horse, mule, and ox-drawn wagon trains for supplies.
The first depot was built in 1885 on a site directly opposite the present station. This building burned on November 23, 1892, and was replaced with a wooden freight station, which was transported on ten flat cars from Paris, Texas. The freight station remained on the site of the original station until 1909 when it was moved two blocks to the east to make room for the new facility.
The present station was completed in 1909 to meet the demands of a growing passenger business in Brownwood. Selected from several designs submitted by the architectural department of the Santa Fe Railroad, the structure represents an outstanding example of the Prairie style in Texas. Original design proposals are filed in the Santa Fe headquarters office in Chicago.
In the pre-dining car era of railroad passenger travel, patrons depended on restaurants near the station for meals. The first restaurant across from the station was built in 1885 with the advent of passenger service in Brownwood. This popular establishment was operated by Mrs. Bertha McDermott until a new facility was added to the station in 1911.
Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
About Brown County
Brown County Timeline
Brown County, Texas, located in the central part of the state, holds a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Apache and Comanche, prior to European settlement. In the early 1800s, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, followed by American explorers and traders in the early 1830s.
The county was officially established on August 27, 1856, and was named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a commander during the Texas Revolution. During the mid-19th century, the area experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1885 significantly boosted the local economy, leading to a population increase and new opportunities for trade.
Throughout its history, Brown County has been primarily agricultural-based, with cotton being a major crop during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s also brought prosperity to the region. As the county developed, schools, churches, and other infrastructure were established, contributing to the growth and overall wellbeing of the community.
Brown County has faced its fair share of challenges as well. Like many other areas in Texas, it struggled during the Great Depression, but gradually recovered with the help of various New Deal programs. In recent years, the county has focused on diversifying its economy, with industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing becoming more prominent.
Today, Brown County maintains its historical charm and offers a mix of rural landscapes and urban conveniences. It continues to preserve its heritage through various cultural events and historical sites, including the Brown County Museum of History. As the county moves forward, it strives to balance growth with its strong sense of community and appreciation for its past.
The county was officially established on August 27, 1856, and was named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a commander during the Texas Revolution. During the mid-19th century, the area experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1885 significantly boosted the local economy, leading to a population increase and new opportunities for trade.
Throughout its history, Brown County has been primarily agricultural-based, with cotton being a major crop during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s also brought prosperity to the region. As the county developed, schools, churches, and other infrastructure were established, contributing to the growth and overall wellbeing of the community.
Brown County has faced its fair share of challenges as well. Like many other areas in Texas, it struggled during the Great Depression, but gradually recovered with the help of various New Deal programs. In recent years, the county has focused on diversifying its economy, with industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing becoming more prominent.
Today, Brown County maintains its historical charm and offers a mix of rural landscapes and urban conveniences. It continues to preserve its heritage through various cultural events and historical sites, including the Brown County Museum of History. As the county moves forward, it strives to balance growth with its strong sense of community and appreciation for its past.
Brown County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Brown County, Texas.
- 1800s: Brown County was initially inhabited by Comanche and Kiowa Native American tribes.
- 1849: The County was originally established by the Texas Legislature and named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a Republic of Texas militia major killed at the Battle of Velasco during the Texas Revolution.
- 1856: The first permanent settlement was established in the county, known as Brownwood, named after Henry Stevenson Brown.
- 1867: The county was officially organized, and Brownwood became the county seat.
- 1885: The arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in Brownwood facilitated growth and development in the county.
- 1903: Howard Payne College, now known as Howard Payne University, was founded in Brownwood.
- Early 1900s: Cotton and livestock farming were the primary economic activities in Brown County.
- 1930s: The Great Depression deeply impacted the county's economy, leading to a decline in population and prosperity.
- 1950s: The discovery of oil and gas reserves brought an economic boom to Brown County.
- 1970: Lake Brownwood was constructed as a recreational reservoir in the county.
- 1997: The expansion of Howard Payne University included the renovation and construction of various campus facilities.