Texas has a rich history of transportation development, with its early cities founded along rivers and coastlines. However, by the mid-1800s, it became clear that the state’s rugged terrain and unpredictable waterways posed significant challenges for trade and travel. Steamboats, which initially attempted to navigate the state’s rivers, faced constant issues such as sandbars, logjams, and dry seasons that rendered many of these routes impassable. Despite these obstacles, steamers successfully navigated some Texas rivers, and made regular trips between Galveston and New Orleans. But ocean shipping had its own dangers, including uncharted waters and frequent storms.
As an alternative, railroads emerged as a solution to Texas’ transportation woes. The state's geography, with its long stretches of flat land, was well-suited for rail travel, and by the late 19th century, Texas had become a pioneer in the development of railroad cities. Though railroads had a slow start, the 1876 Texas Constitution accelerated growth by offering significant incentives: for every mile of railroad track laid, a company would receive 16 sections of land—over 10,000 acres—and a government loan of up to $6,000 per mile of track. This land giveaway program proved too successful, resulting in the donation of 32 million acres, or 20 percent of Texas. Eventually, the program had to be canceled due to the depletion of available land and reports of corruption.
Railroad construction played a pivotal role in the growth of several towns, many of which developed haphazardly. The towns were often built around water depots, which were necessary for steam locomotives. A prime example of this is Valentine, Texas, which was named either for the day the depot was reached—Valentine’s Day—or for John Valentine, a major stockholder in the railroad. The town of about 130 people still thrives today, with its post office seeing heavy traffic on Valentine’s Day.
Langtry, Texas, was another town created around the railroad, originally established as a tent city for railroad workers. Though named for railroad engineer George Langtry, Judge Roy Bean famously promoted the town's association with Lillie Langtry, a British-American actress, as part of his own self-promotion. The myth was so successful that Lillie Langtry visited the town after Bean’s death.
Abilene, Texas, owes its existence to the Texas and Pacific Railway. The city was developed by cattlemen and developers who wanted to replicate the cattle market of Abilene, Kansas. The railroad bypassed the established town of Buffalo Gap, causing many citizens to relocate to Abilene, which soon became a major hub for the cattle industry. The presence of the railroad led to the establishment of the First Presbyterian Church, which helped shape the city’s religious culture. Today, Abilene boasts more churches per capita than any other Texas city, and is home to three Christian colleges.
Another significant railroad development was the creation of College Station, Texas. In 1860, the Houston and Texas Central Railway established a line through the area, which eventually led to the founding of Texas A&M University in 1876. The U.S. Postal Service designated the town College Station after the railroad passenger depot serving the new college. The railroad still cuts through the Texas A&M campus today.
Today, Texas leads the nation with more than 10,500 miles of railroad track, maintaining its vital role in commerce and industry. Railroads have played a key part in shaping the state's growth, economy, and identity, continuing to be a symbol of its expansive development.
