Save the Texas State Railroad

Texas State Railroad crew with a restored steam locomotive at Rusk depot. (Photo: Bruce Partain)


Rallying for Rails
Excerpted from a story by Hannah Buchanan
Jacksonville Daily Progress

Texans came together Saturday afternoon Saturday afternoon at the Texas State Railroad’s Rusk Depot with one thing on their mind-preserving the Lone Star State’s official railroad.

The historic steam train system running between Palestine and Rusk through the heart of the Pineywoods faces permanent shut down by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at the end of the year unless additional funds are found.

A “Save the Train” event was organized by the Texas State Railroad Preservation Task Force. Anyone involved with the event, either as a participant or a volunteer, should be proud, said TSRRPT chairman Steve Presley in a press conference. The funds will go a long way to keep the train on track. TPWD, TSRR and other local officials were on hand to welcome engine No. 201 and many there enjoyed a train ride from the Rusk Depot to the Palestine Depot, where a concert featuring Texas legend Lee Roy Parnell took place at 8 p.m.

More than $100,000 in sponsorships alone was pledged for the event. Proceeds from the “Save The Train” event will help promote and market the TSRR and provide financial assistance to develop a permanent operating plan, according to promotional materials.

Full story.