Mark in Texas History: Angelina and Neches River Railroad contributes to Lufkin’s growth

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - This week’s Mark in Texas History takes a look at the power of transportation, especially by train.

The Angelina and Neches River Railroad was a key part of developing the City of Lufkin. It was founded in 1900 and headquartered in the sawmill town of Keltys.

It was a short line railroad used to move logs from the woods of East Texas to the Angelina County Lumber Company. Back then, it was just 10 miles of tracks.

By 1911, the line extended to Chireno in Nacogdoches County. The founding of Southland Paper Mills in 1938 was possible largely due to the assets of the railroad. At that time, the railroad could haul in pulpwood and ship out newsprint made from southern pine.

Since that time, the Angelina and Neches River Railroad has played a key role in Lufkin’s economy and led many large corporations to success.

Today, the railroad services 28 miles of track in and around Lufkin, plus an additional three and a half miles via Union Pacific’s mainline.

There is an office for the Angelina and Neches River Railroad at 2225 Spence Street. If you want to take a good look at it, be sure to visit during business hours, as it’s inside a locked fence.