A VISIT TO THE 1904 TRAIN MUSEUM A MUST!

Situated in Historic Downtown Kingsville and, of course, next to the train tracks on Kleberg Avenue is one of Kingsville's special treasures. Contained inside are the jewels of Kingsville's history.

Although small by larger cities standards, the 1904 Train Museum is a step back in time when rail travel and shipping was the safest and quickest way to move people, cattle or goods. Visitors will discover artifacts dating back to the early 1900's through the 1960's when rail travel no longer held the sparkle and excitement it had enjoyed for so many years and goods and people were now moved by 4-wheeled trucks and automobiles. The little Depot was closed.

To celebrate Kingsville's 100th Birthday, the structure was restored and opened its doors on July 4th, 2004 - 100 years to the date that the city was Chartered. Today, photographs are exhibited in chronological order so visitors can enjoy viewing the history of Kingsville and the importance of the train coming through the community. Artifacts give insights into life on the rail.

The museum's personality changes daily with the personality of the Volunteer for the day. Manned 100% by caring volunteers of Kingsville, each person brings the variety of exhibits to life through the love and excitement they feel for the museum. One of the most popular exhibits, though small, is an operational telegraph. This in itself is special, but if you are fortunate enough to visit on the day that the station's volunteer (AKA as the telegraph operator) is on duty, she will show and teach you how messages were sent in Morse Code. On another day, you might hear stories about how a father or a grandfather worked and rode the rails. On another day, you could hear the story of families that rode to Kingsville looking for a new start on life and ranched and farmed land that is still in the same family today. Others just love the Depot and the history of their community.

The 1904 Depot has a small gift shop with Kingsville history books, hats, pins and other small memorabilia to take home and remember your visit to the Kingsville Depot. The Depot is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is free. Small group tours are welcomed, but we suggest you pre-arrange groups of 10 or more. For additional information contact the Kingsville Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 333-5032.

More information coming soon on the history of the 1904 Kingsville Train Depot Museum. 

Be sure to check the Down at the Depot page for new articles.