Brownwood News – Brown County is rich in history, from mastodons to big industry. Brownwood, herself, has a well-developed transportation history. More specific and importantly, Brownwood has a vast railroad history spanning more than one hundred and thirty years.
Brownwood rail lines go as far back as 1885. The citizens of Brownwood were so insistent on having the rails come through town, they raised $30,000 to bring the Gulf Colorado & Santa Fe line through Brownwood. Since then, Brownwood has seen many changes happen along the rails; large Santa Fe Depot; Fred Harvey House; sixty foot Round House; influx of soldier trains; the downfall of passenger service; and the growth of freight lines.
On August 31st at 11:00 a.m., the Lehnis Railroad Museum is pleased to be unveiling its newest permanent exhibit – Tracking Progress: A History of the Rails in Brownwood. The exhibit displays the history of the rails from their start in Brownwood, to their current standing as freight lines, and the beginnings of the museum covering more than ten years. The intent of the exhibit, and the museum, is to educate young minds and enthrall rail fans, alike.
The Lehnis Railroad Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Buster’s Mini Train runs on Saturdays every hour starting at 10:30 a.m.
For more information about the Tracking Progress: A History of the Rails in Brownwood timeline exhibit, please contact:
Crystal Stanley
Museum Curator
Lehnis Railroad Museum
700 East Adams Street
Brownwood, TX 76801
(325)643-6376
Email: cstanley@brownwoodtexas.gov
