Abilene & Southern Depot
Ballinger, Runnels County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Morgan Jones (1840-1926), a Welsh-born railroad builder, and his nephews Morgan C. (1876-1964) and Percy Jones (1885-1951) built the Abilene and Southern Rail Line in 1909 between Abilene and Ballinger. This stone structure was finished soon after the first train arrived, Sept. 9, 1909. The design, with octagonal twin towers, was unusual for depots of that era. The railroad did a flourishing passenger and freight business. Passenger service ended in 1941 and freight service in 1966. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1978
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Welsh-born railroad builder Morgan Jones and his nephews Morgan C. and Percy Jones laid the Abilene and Southern line between Abilene and Ballinger in 1909, and this stone depot rose soon after the first train arrived that September. Its design — with distinctive octagonal twin towers — was unusually elaborate for a depot of the era. The line carried a brisk passenger and freight trade until passenger service ended in 1941 and freight in 1966.
Why it matters
Depots like this were the front doors of West Texas towns, and the Jones family's rail-building dynasty helped stitch the region's ranch country into the wider economy.
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Related people
- · Morgan Jones
- · Morgan C. Jones
- · Percy Jones
Related events
- · Completion of the Abilene & Southern line, 1909
Themes & tags
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