Mark in Texas History: The story of Longview Train Depot

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - The City of Longview has always been connected to railways and, at one time, had three depots. Now there is one, and today it is one of the busiest stations in the state.

The Longview Train Depot is the subject of this weeks Mark in Texas History.

The rail roots began growing back in 1870 when O.H. Methvin and his father came to East Texas from Atlanta. They transferred 150 acres to Southern Pacific Railroad.

Two years later, construction began on a line between Longview and Palestine. The rail line was named “Long-view” by surveyors who were impressed by the long range view in that area. In 1939, Texas and Pacific Railway bought Southern Pacific Railroad and plans for a passenger depot began.

The depot was transformed with its Colonial Revival style that was popular in the early 20th century. It had a ticket office, waiting rooms, restrooms, a telegraph office, baggage area and a mail room and more. The red brick depot replaced the structure from the 18 hundreds in 1940.

Fast forward to 2009 when the City of Longview bought the depot. Four years later, the city broke ground on a $2.2 million project to transform the depot into a convenient transportation hub.

During the renovation, workers installed windows and an open-air waiting room was created. To this day, the Longview station serves as the train-bus transfer point for passengers from two Amtrak routes. In 2014, the Longview Train Depot was recognized by the Texas Historical Commission, and a marker went up highlight its importance.

If you would like to check out the Longview Train Depot you’ll find it at 905 Pacific Avenue.