History of Flatonia Railroad

It's hard to think of Flatonia and not think of the railroad. The town's history is steeped in railroad lore. In fact, the railroad was viewed as such an important factor in the future growth and development of the community, city leaders in 1874 moved the town approximately one mile from its original site and rebuilt it along the old Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio rail lines. 

 

Soon after relocating, Flatonia began to flourish. New businesses were opened and new residents began populating the peaceful little community. At the same time, European immigrants moved to the area and began developing open pastures into fertile farms and thriving ranches. So promising was Flatonia's offering that in 1887 the San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railway extended its north/south line through the community, making it one of the few rail parks in the country with lines leading in all four directions.

 

When rail activity was at its peak in Flatonia, city streets were lined with passenger and freight depots and other railroad-related buildings, including a switching tower that still stands today. Freight from the trains supplied Flatonia businesses and residents with nearly every essential commodity needed for their daily existence. Located halfway between San Antonio and Houston, Flatonia is one of the few locations in the United States that has an interlocking where train routes can travel not only East/West but also North/South.