Marshall Texas: A Small Town With A Lot Of History And Big Charm

Photos & Story By Ken Hulsey

Last week, as I made my way back from some work in Arkansas, I decided to take a scenic route back to my hotel in Shreveport by traveling through Texas instead of retracing my steps through Arkansas and Louisiana. Along the way, I stumbled upon several charming small towns that I couldn’t help but think would make great weekend getaway destinations. One town that particularly piqued my interest was Marshall. I recalled reading about how Marshall was once the original headquarters of the Texas and Pacific Railway and that there might be a display commemorating the history of this now-defunct railroad. As a railfan, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore this piece of history.

When I arrived in Marshall, I was delighted to find a beautifully preserved Texas and Pacific depot that now serves as a museum, alongside an impressive Union Pacific caboose and a fully intact steam locomotive. However, my visit was on a Monday afternoon, and, unfortunately for me, the museum was closed that day (it operates Wednesday through Saturday). Nonetheless, I made the most of my visit by enjoying the sights from outside the structure and marveling at the vintage railroad equipment displayed on the grounds.

To my surprise, I discovered that locomotive #400, a stunning 2-8-2 Mikado, was open for visitors to climb into the cab! I couldn't believe my luck—there I was, able to sit in either the engineer or fireman seat and even tinker with the controls. Pulling on the cord to ring the bell was especially thrilling as it rang out with a delightful clang. Sitting in the engineer’s seat, leaning out the window, filled me with a sense of joy that I had to share with my wife via a phone call. I jokingly declared that I had “found my happy place” and suggested that my mail and all earthly possessions should be forwarded to the cab of #400 from now on!

Locomotive #400 holds a special place in the history of the Texas and Pacific Railway. It was the last steam locomotive purchased by the T&P in 1958, during a period when diesel-electric engines were already taking over. Number 400 came from the Fort Worth & Denver City Railway when flooding around the Red River prevented the line from using electric-powered locomotives. The T&P ultimately retired this beautiful locomotive in 1963 and generously donated it to the city of Marshall.

Realizing that I couldn't play engineer forever—and that I wouldn't be receiving my mail delivered to a locomotive cab, after all—I shifted my attention to the depot grounds. The structure itself is a real gem of early 20th-century architecture. Built in 1912, it served passengers traveling on the T&P, a route that stretched all the way from New Orleans to El Paso, until it was acquired by the Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1976, although they had held a majority stake since 1928. Today, this historic depot continues to serve the town of Marshall as a stop on Amtrak's Texas Eagle line, providing passenger train service between Chicago and San Antonio. It's a perfect blend of history and modern travel that makes visiting Marshall a worthwhile experience for anyone interested in trains and local heritage!

The area surrounding the depot is truly charming, filled with a delightful collection of historic homes and a lovely old hotel that has been beautifully transformed into a high-end restaurant. If you take a leisurely stroll south from the depot for about a mile, you’ll arrive at Marshall’s picturesque Whetstone Square. Here, you'll find the stunning Harrison County Courthouse, which was constructed in 1900. This magnificent structure is not just a piece of history but also widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in Texas.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the beauty of the area, as I spent quite a bit of time at the depot and didn’t get to visit the Harrison County Historical Museum located nearby. This only adds to my excitement about planning a second trip back to Marshall! I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what this lovely town has to offer, and I know that my wife will absolutely adore exploring this charming destination with me. There’s so much to see and experience, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into all the local culture and history!

Find Out More - https://visitmarshalltexas.com/

Comments

Unmasking Heroes: The Untold Stories Behind the Birth of Comic Book Legends

Written By: Terri Pressley Where does a documentary about superheroes and comics begin? With Superman himself, of course! Superman, created in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joel Shuster, both 18 years old, combined parts of Hercules, a scientific Moses, and Jerry Siegel's confidence issues. He always had crushes on girls that didn't seem to know that he was alive, so he created a character that everyone would look up to, one that women would want and men would want to be.

Unleash Your Inner Explorer: May Magic Awaits in Santa Fe!

Discovering Santa Fe: May Events for Young Tourists Santa Fe , a gem of the Southwest, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and a host of exciting events. As summer approaches, young tourists flock to this artistic haven to experience everything from literature to local cuisine. If you're planning a visit in May, brace yourself for a whirlwind of activities perfect for making unforgettable memories.

You Have More Power Than You Think: How to Activate God’s Power in Your Life

The Wordless Book: Black - Stands For Sin In Our Lives, Red - Stands For The Blood Jesus Shed On The Cross, White - Represents Salvation Through Jesus, Gold - Represents The Kingdom Of Heaven. What if the power you’ve been searching for is already within you, but you haven't activated it yet? In this message, we kick off the series Power, Passion, and People with a foundational truth: God has already placed His power within every believer through the Holy Spirit. The challenge is not in receiving power; it’s in learning how to walk in it.

Chasing Shadows of the Past: A Railroad Adventure with Kansas City Southern's Vintage F-Series Locomotives

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey In April 2022, I received a tip from a fellow railfan on Facebook that the Kansas City Southern Executive Train would be in Baton Rouge . To my excitement, I spotted a set of vintage FP9/F9B diesel locomotives resting on a bridge over the 110 freeway while driving toward downtown. My enthusiasm for the F-series locomotives compelled me to navigate some of Louisiana's poorly designed streets (and that’s saying something) to get close to the railyard. I made my way through what felt like a jungle that belonged somewhere in Borneo, only to climb a steep hill to reach the railyard.

Bedrock City Still Lives! - Travel To The Home of The Flintstones - Valle Arizona

Story By Ken Hulsey Photos From The Raptor Ranch Website : This morning, while browsing the internet, I came across an excellent article in Route Magazine (The Official Route 66 Magazine) about the history of Bedrock City in Arizona . Built in 1971 by Woody and Francis Speckels, the park was originally an amusement park inspired by the famous Hanna-Barbera cartoon, The Flintstones. Over the decades, Bedrock City became a popular stop for families traveling between the town of Williams and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon .

The Timeless Appeal of The Pretenders' "Learning to Crawl"

For classic rock enthusiasts, the Pretenders hold a special place in the pantheon of iconic bands that shaped the soundscape of the late '70s and early '80s. Formed in March 1978, the band made an indelible mark through a blend of punk energy, rock sensibility, and poignant songwriting, primarily driven by the incomparable Chrissie Hynde. One of their standout works, "Learning to Crawl," remains a treasured album that resonates deeply with fans even decades later.

Exploring Shreveport: A Photojournalist's Journey Through History and Abandonment

Story & Photos By Ken Hulsey I have to admit that Shreveport is probably my favorite city in Louisiana . The city features stunning visual contrasts, and as a photojournalist, walking around provides countless opportunities to capture thought-provoking images. I spent some time in downtown Shreveport this week and took a lot of great pictures. The area is rich with things to see, including many abandoned buildings, which can be found in every city and town in the state, as well as preserved historical landmarks and modern art and architecture.

Unleashing Faith: How to Conquer Life's Impossible Odds with God's Strength

Facing Impossible Odds: Trusting in God's Strength Have you ever found yourself in a situation that felt overwhelming, where the challenges seemed insurmountable? It's one of those moments when you're backed against the wall, wondering if there's a way out at all. Yet, for those who believe, even the most daunting circumstances are not too big for God to handle. In fact, it's often in these moments of difficulty that we learn to rely not on our own strength but on His divine power.

Unlocking Divine Strength: How to Tap into the Power Within You!

Life can sometimes feel overwhelmingly challenging, as if every obstacle is stacked high against you. In moments like these, it’s essential to remember that no challenge is too great for God to overcome. He knows you intimately, even better than you know yourself . Have you tapped into the immense power of God in your life? Do you even realize that you hold this divine power within you?

Just a Thought: Designed by God | Pastor Steve Smothermon

Designed by God Psalm 139 is a profound reminder of God's intimate knowledge and omnipresence in our lives. The psalm opens with a declaration of God's deep knowledge of the individual: "O Lord, you have searched me and known me." This knowledge is not just superficial awareness, but a profound, penetrating understanding of all our ways. The psalmist acknowledges that before a word is on our tongues, God knows it completely. This reveals a God who is not distant or disinterested but is deeply engaged with the intricacies of our lives, understanding our thoughts and actions better than we understand them ourselves.

Miracle Mindset

Search This Blog