Missouri-Kansas-Texas Company Railroad Station
a.k.a. Katy Depot
Covington St., Hillsboro, TXVisually reminiscent of the Age of Rail, which had a positive impact on the economy of Hillsboro, the Katy Depot stands today near the Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad lines as well as the Hill County Courthouse (National Register, 6/21/71), the focal point of the downtown commercial district. Hillsboro was established in 1853 to serve as the governmental seat and trade center for an agrarian county, with cotton as the primary crop. The completion of the MKT Railroad through Hillsboro in 1881 increased the commercial activity of the city and broadened its economic base. With locally raised funds, the citizens of Hillsboro purchased the right of way and property needed for at depot. Functional requirements dictated the size and massing of the structure which reflects architectural and decorative styles popular at the turn of the century.
The Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, commonly known as the Katy, was the first rail line to reach Hillsboro. Passenger service on the line, which connected Fort Worth and Temple, began on Sunday, April 26, 1881, with four daily trains and a sleeper through to Chicago. The Katy Railroad brought a surge of economic activity to this agricultural region, becoming a major means of exporting cotton and livestock. As the economic base broadened, so did the population, which facilitated both residential and commercial expansion. Building materials were brought in by train and used to construct the contemporary structures, many of which remain today.
With the completion of the railroad, several Katy buildings were constructed including a frame station consisting of a waiting room, office, and freight room; a cotton platform; and a section house. In 1894 Katy built division shops and a roundhouse in Hillsboro. The original station was converted to a freight house in 1902 and the present depot was erected on the land purchased by the city of Hillsboro. The rectangular structure was originally oriented on a north/south axis, parallel to the tracks. With a strong horizontal emphasis, the structure reflects the shingle style with its gently-pitched roof and extended, bracket-supported eaves, vertical and horizontal wood siding, and decorative shingles. Repercussions of the Victorian era are evident in the trim of the gables. Throughout its operating years, the depot served as an integral part of the Hillsboro community. Among those visiting Hillsboro via the Katy were railroad tycoon Jay Gould, and Presidents Woodrow Wilson, William H. Taft, Calvin Coolidge, and Harry Truman. The depot served as the departure and arrival point for World War I and II soldiers.
Currently, the building is unoccupied. To prevent the depot from being moved to Fort Worth, local citizens raised funds to allow the city to purchase the structure. The building has been relocated (1979) to the nearby Old City Market Square property, again with a north/south axial orientation near both the railroad lines and the courthouse. Therefore, the move to a new site should in no way be considered a detriment to its significance.
The city currently has plans to restore the building to its original appearance and has submitted a grant request for this. When restored, the depot will once again serve as a significant element in the Hillsboro Community, providing the administrative offices for the Chamber of Commerce as well as tourist information and display space for the arts. Space will also be available to local civic groups for meetings and social gatherings.
The Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, commonly known as the Katy, was the first rail line to reach Hillsboro. Passenger service on the line, which connected Fort Worth and Temple, began on Sunday, April 26, 1881, with four daily trains and a sleeper through to Chicago. The Katy Railroad brought a surge of economic activity to this agricultural region, becoming a major means of exporting cotton and livestock. As the economic base broadened, so did the population, which facilitated both residential and commercial expansion. Building materials were brought in by train and used to construct the contemporary structures, many of which remain today.
With the completion of the railroad, several Katy buildings were constructed including a frame station consisting of a waiting room, office, and freight room; a cotton platform; and a section house. In 1894 Katy built division shops and a roundhouse in Hillsboro. The original station was converted to a freight house in 1902 and the present depot was erected on the land purchased by the city of Hillsboro. The rectangular structure was originally oriented on a north/south axis, parallel to the tracks. With a strong horizontal emphasis, the structure reflects the shingle style with its gently-pitched roof and extended, bracket-supported eaves, vertical and horizontal wood siding, and decorative shingles. Repercussions of the Victorian era are evident in the trim of the gables. Throughout its operating years, the depot served as an integral part of the Hillsboro community. Among those visiting Hillsboro via the Katy were railroad tycoon Jay Gould, and Presidents Woodrow Wilson, William H. Taft, Calvin Coolidge, and Harry Truman. The depot served as the departure and arrival point for World War I and II soldiers.
Currently, the building is unoccupied. To prevent the depot from being moved to Fort Worth, local citizens raised funds to allow the city to purchase the structure. The building has been relocated (1979) to the nearby Old City Market Square property, again with a north/south axial orientation near both the railroad lines and the courthouse. Therefore, the move to a new site should in no way be considered a detriment to its significance.
The city currently has plans to restore the building to its original appearance and has submitted a grant request for this. When restored, the depot will once again serve as a significant element in the Hillsboro Community, providing the administrative offices for the Chamber of Commerce as well as tourist information and display space for the arts. Space will also be available to local civic groups for meetings and social gatherings.
Bibliography
Ward, Joe Ed; Unpublished monograph, December, 1978.
Webb, Walter Prescott; The Handbook of Texas, Volume I, Austin, Texas State Historical Association, 1952, p. 816.
Webb, Walter Prescott; The Handbook of Texas, Volume I, Austin, Texas State Historical Association, 1952, p. 816.
Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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.
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About Hill County
Hill County Timeline
Hill County, located in Central Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early Native American tribes who inhabited the region before European settlement. The area was primarily occupied by the Tonkawa and Comanche tribes, who relied on hunting and gathering for their sustenance. However, the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century marked the beginning of significant changes for Hill County.
In the early 1800s, settlers from the United States began to arrive in Hill County, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming. The Republic of Texas was established in 1836, and Hill County was founded in 1853, named after Dr. George Washington Hill, an early settler and land surveyor. The county seat was initially established in Hillsborough but later moved to Hillsboro.
During the Civil War, Hill County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Confederacy and others remaining loyal to the Union. The war took a toll on the area, leading to economic decline and agricultural setbacks. However, with the end of the war and efforts to rebuild, the county gradually recovered.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hill County saw significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, leading to the establishment of new towns and communities. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a mainstay of the county's economy, with numerous cotton gins and mills scattered throughout the area.
Today, Hill County is a vibrant community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historic landmarks and sites, museums, and annual events that celebrate its history. From its early Native American roots to its role in the development of Central Texas, Hill County continues to thrive as a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of its residents.
In the early 1800s, settlers from the United States began to arrive in Hill County, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming. The Republic of Texas was established in 1836, and Hill County was founded in 1853, named after Dr. George Washington Hill, an early settler and land surveyor. The county seat was initially established in Hillsborough but later moved to Hillsboro.
During the Civil War, Hill County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Confederacy and others remaining loyal to the Union. The war took a toll on the area, leading to economic decline and agricultural setbacks. However, with the end of the war and efforts to rebuild, the county gradually recovered.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hill County saw significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, leading to the establishment of new towns and communities. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a mainstay of the county's economy, with numerous cotton gins and mills scattered throughout the area.
Today, Hill County is a vibrant community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historic landmarks and sites, museums, and annual events that celebrate its history. From its early Native American roots to its role in the development of Central Texas, Hill County continues to thrive as a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of its residents.
Hill County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hill County, Texas.
- 1853: Hill County established as one of the 36 original counties of Texas.
- 1854: Hillsboro becomes the county seat.
- 1860s: Hill County experiences rapid growth due to the cattle industry and the arrival of the railroad.
- 1873: The Hill County Courthouse, a two-story wooden structure, is completed.
- 1882: The Courthouse is destroyed by a fire.
- 1886: Construction of a new courthouse begins.
- 1890: The current Hill County Courthouse, a magnificent Romanesque Revival architectural style building, is completed.
- 1900s: Hill County faces numerous challenges, including droughts, the Great Depression, and the decline of the cotton industry.
- 1940s: Hill County experiences a surge in population and economic growth due to World War II and the establishment of military bases in the region.
- 1950s-1960s: Construction of Lake Whitney provides recreational opportunities and helps boost the local economy.
- 2000s: Hill County continues to develop and diversify its economy, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.