Today we’d like to introduce you to Rockdale I&GN Depot Museum.
Hi Rockdale I&GN Depot Museum, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Rockdale I&GN Depot Museum is a museum in downtown Rockdale, just 45 minutes east of Hutto/RR, the northern metro.
Our historic passenger depot was built by the International and Great Northern (I&GN) Railroad in 1906.
One interesting detail is that Rockdale was founded in part by the expansion of the railroad west. From 1874 to 1876 Rockdale grew quickly, as it was the western terminus, “end of the line”. During that time people came all the way from the Austin area for rail travel, mail, and other needs.
The depot closed in 1970, after passenger service was discontinued, and the depot was sold to a local business man, who used it for storage.
Rockdale Historical Society, which manages the depot museum, is a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization formed in 1998, with the primary intent to purchase and restore this historic building. Restoration took over 8 years, almost entirely through volunteer effort.
Working with the Texas Historical Commission we acheived our designation as a “Recorded Texas Historic Landmark” in 2005. The depot celebrated it’s 100th anniversary in 2006 and opened the museum. It is open to the public and free to visit. Donations are welcome.
The museum houses an eclectic collection of railroad and local history, two model railroad layouts, and two vintage railcars, and a functional replica of early 1900’s era blacksmith shop. We are passionate about engaging the community and educational programming, suited for all ages.
Only about an hour from the metro, we host field trips, seasonal events, and live blacksmithingn demonstrations. Our historic 1942 Missouri Pacific dining car is available for private events.
Visit www.rockdaledepotmuseum.org to learn more and contact us.
Open Saturdays 10-4, Sundays 1-4
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There must always be a lot of peaks and valleys with over 100 years of history.
The railroad itself changed hands over the life of the depot- I&GN facing bankruptcy, and changing hands to Missouri Pacific, and now Union Pacific RR.
The very fact that it was purchased by Adolf McVoy, who owned a feed store, is part of the reason it survived. Often times when depots closed they were destroyed by the railroads to save maintenance costs.
The challenges our organization faced early on during restoration period were many, including fabricating architectural aspects of the depot. Our favorite story to tell is about Gary Jackson, who almost single handedly rebuilt the 16 foot copper-domed cupola that sits at the top of our building, using only a photograph of the original depot from the early 1900’s.
In the more recent years we have faced challenges like the passing of several of our founding and involved members, being closed for almost two years due to Covid, and constant effort managing our operations, with a very small number of volunteers.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I may have answered this in previous questions.
We are a not for profit museum, wholly dedicated to preserving our local and railroad history. We are passionate about engaging all age groups to experience history in an immersive environment.
All museums engage and educate, but here you are able to feel transported back in time, You can touch the restored ticket windows, see the original telegraph desk, and feel the vibration of the freight trains as the roll by right next to the depot.
Visitors can take a tour through a bright red caboose and sit in our beautiful 1940″s dining car, and watch live blacksmithing demonstrations.
Whether or not trains are your thing someone can always find something interesting when they visit our museum.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Perserverance.
The depot and railroad itself tells the story of how much effort was involved in simply living during the post civil war era.
Its survival through the growth of this area, and changes to the railroad over the years further highlights this point.
In the last 20 years since our organization formed, each volunteer has given so much for the selfless goal
of keeping the depot around.
We continue to have a small board, and a small but growing team of volunteers, but we are making big strides, building ourselves into a pivotal central texas destination, as well as developing our educational programming to share interesting history for generations to come.
Pricing:
- free and donations welcome
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rockdaledepotmuseum.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockdaledepot
