Since 1881, the Texas State Railroad (TSRR) has been a Texas Treasure. The Railroad dates back to the late 1800's when the Texas Prison System opened the East Texas Penitentiary in Rusk, Texas. By 1896 prison officials realized that transporting timber and iron ore by horse and wagon was impractical. It was decided that a railroad was necessary to provide the foundry with enough raw material to operate efficiently. Construction began on five miles of track, built in a southwesterly direction from the institution.
The Texas State Railroad is now being operated by American Heritage Railroad Company. The Texas State Railroad offers both steam and diesel train excursions reminiscent of days gone by. Passengers may board excursion trains at either the Rusk or Palestine depots where they will find Southern hospitality. The train operates weekend excursions year-round plus expanded spring, summer and fall service.
During two weekends in October, the Railroad sponsored a Day Out with Thomas. Bob Jones and I attended the event to take pictures. A few of the pictures appear below:
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