An Amtrack passenger train in HO scale in the Cotton Belt Depot in Tyler. (File photos)

The Cotton Belt Depot was opened to the public in 1905 and continued service until the last passenger train, No. 8, departed in April 1956.

In 1988 the Southern Pacific deeded the depot to the city of Tyler, and in 2003, the city restored the depot to its original beauty.

Today the depot facilitates the Cotton Belt Depot Museum in the old baggage section on the east end of the building and is staffed by volunteers from the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society, Tyler Tap Chapter.

The Depot Museum has welcomed visitors from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and more than 45 foreign countries.

The museum contains artifacts, memorabilia and pictures from the Cotton Belt in Tyler. It also houses the famous Bragg Train Collection of Lionel Electric Trains that includes over 200 engines and 1600 cars donated by Sharon Bragg. There are operating O and HO scale model railroads, and Union Pacific Railroad’s westbound Corsicana Sub runs freight trains past the depot.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, except holidays. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Group tours are by appointment only.