National Register Listing

Texas & Pacific Steam Locomotive No. 610

Felix and Hemphill Sts., Fort Worth, TX
Texas and Pacific steam locomotive 610 is the only remaining example of the railroad's fleet of seventy engines of the 2-10-4 wheel arrangement. Not only is the locomotive the last example of the 2-10-4 wheel arrangement, it is also one of only two remaining steam locomotives of the Texas and Pacific's roster of hundreds of steam engines. After the restoration currently underway is completed, the engine will be the largest operating steam locomotive in the world. The locomotive will also pull the American Freedom Train throughout Texas during February, 1976. Engine 610 was built by the Lima Locomotive Works of Lima, Ohio during 1927, and was delivered to the Texas and Pacific in June of that year. The locomotive was the first of the second group of now famous "Texas Type" engines, so named because of their inception and first service on the Texas and Pacific Railway. The first group of ten locomotives, numbered 600-609 and classed H, were delivered in 1925. The following four classes, 12-15 and numbered 610-624, 625-639, 640-654, 655-669, were built and delivered during 1927-1929. of these seventy engines, only the 610 is extant. The T&P's 600 series engines were designed to accommodate the heavy freight traffic between Texarkana and El Paso, which reached its zenith during the late 1920's and early 1930's. The smaller freight engines of the 2-8-2 or Mikado wheel arrangement which preceded the 2-10-4's were incapable of handling the increased freight traffic. So successful was the first class of new engines that four more classes were ordered during the next four years. Modifications were made to the T&P's 600 series engines in August, 1938, by application of light weight driving rods and improved counterbalances so that the maximum speed was increased from 45 to 60 miles per hour. This modification was made to make the engines suitable for both freight and passenger service, During the motive power shortage brought about by World War II, many of the troop trains were pulled by 2-10-4's. During the twenty-three years of active service on the T&P Railway from June, 1927, through February, 1950, the locomotive pulled trains over 1, 152,872 miles of T&P tracks. All seventy of the 600 series locomotives were retired from the active motive power roster in 1950. Engine 638 was preserved along with 610, and the locomotives were presented to the city of Dallas and Amon Carter, Sr., of Fort Worth, respectively. Locomotive 638 was displayed at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas in October, 1950, but vandalism soon ravaged the engine. So heavily damaged was the locomotive that the city officials decided to sell it for scrap value. After the engine had been dismantled, a group of citizens demanded a replacement engine. All of the other T&P locomotives had since been scrapped, so the railroad purchased a retired 4-8-2 or Mohawk locomotive from the New York Central Railroad in 1956. This engine was shipped to the T&P erecting shops in Marshall, Texas, where it was modified to resemble the famous 900 series of Texas and Pacific passenger locomotives. Engine 900 is currently displayed along with several other steam locomotives in the "Age of Steam" railroad exhibit at Fair Park in Dallas. W. G. Vollmer, president of the T&P, presented engine 610 to Amon G. Carter, Sr., prominent Fort Worth businessman and civic leader, in a formal ceremony at the Will Rogers Coliseum on January 27, 1951. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of Fort Worth citizens, railroad officials, and businessmen. The locomotive was named "Will Rogers" in honor of the noted humorist who had made many appearances at the Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show. After having been on display for many years in an open area of will Rogers Park, the engine had deteriorated from exposure to the weather. The 610 Historical Foundation was chartered in 1969 for the purpose of preserving the locomotive and restoring it to operating condition. The engine was moved in July, 1969, from the park to the Fort Worth Army Depot for storage purposes. It remained at this location until February, 1975, when it was moved to its present location at the Fort Worth Stockyards. A contract between the American Freedom Train Foundation and the 610 Historical Foundation was signed on July 18, 1974, to insure that the locomotive would be restored in order to pull the Freedom Train throughout the Southwest. Private contributions toward the restoration amounted to more than $100,000.
Local significance of the structure:
Engineering; Transportation; Invention

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
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.
Texas random facts
Tarrant County, Texas, has a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes before European exploration and settlement. In the mid-19th century, the region became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico.

Tarrant County was established in 1849 and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader during the Texas Revolution. The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th century, fueled by factors such as the expansion of railroads, cattle ranching, and the discovery of oil.

During the 20th century, Tarrant County continued to flourish and adapt to changing times. It became an important hub for transportation, commerce, and industry. The county's largest city, Fort Worth, emerged as a major center for cattle trading and eventually diversified into a vibrant economic and cultural hub.

Today, Tarrant County is one of the most populous counties in Texas, encompassing Fort Worth and several other cities and communities. It boasts a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Tarrant County is also home to renowned educational institutions, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, making it a dynamic and thriving region within the state.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Tarrant County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlement.

  • 1849: Tarrant County was officially established and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader in the Republic of Texas.

  • 1850s: Fort Worth, the county seat, began as a military outpost on the Trinity River, providing protection for settlers and serving as a stop on the Chisholm Trail cattle drive route.

  • Late 19th Century: The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s spurred economic growth in Fort Worth and the county. The city became a center for the cattle industry, agriculture, and trade.

  • 20th Century: Tarrant County experienced significant urbanization and diversification. Fort Worth became a major hub for the oil and gas industry, aviation, and defense with the establishment of military bases.

  • Civil Rights Era: Tarrant County, like many regions in the United States, faced challenges and changes during the civil rights movement, with efforts to achieve racial equality and social progress.

  • Modern Times: Tarrant County continues to thrive as a major economic and cultural center in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and education.