Narrow Gauge Railway
Arlington, Tarrant County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Economical to build, operate and maintain, many narrow gauge railroads were running in Texas between 1853 and 1900. Some were "Taps" (for towns off the main line); some logging roads, going deep into woods and swamps. Hauled passengers, thousands of cattle, tons of sugar cane or other crops, and were used for general traffic. One line--Great Sweetgum, Yubadam & Hoo Hoo--operated at first as the T.M. & C. (Two Mules and a Car). The two engines at Six Flags over Texas were built in 1887 and 1903; and rebuilt according to original specifications.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Between 1853 and 1900 dozens of narrow gauge railroads threaded through Texas—cheap to build and run, they served as 'taps' to towns off the main line and as logging roads pushing deep into woods and swamps. They hauled passengers, cattle, and crops like sugar cane, and one line whimsically operated as the 'Two Mules and a Car.' The two engines running at Six Flags Over Texas, built in 1887 and 1903, were rebuilt to original specifications.
Why it matters
Narrow gauge lines were the capillaries of 19th-century Texas commerce, reaching places the great trunk railroads never could.
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Themes & tags
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