THE ROCKDALE I&GN DEPOT MUSEUM
Step back in time with us and experience Rockdale as it was in the early 1900's. Many small Texas towns owe their creation and growth to the railroad industry, and Rockdale is a stellar example.
We are committed to preserving and sharing the history of the this local area and the railroads that have made it flourish.
Come visit our museum soon!
HOURS OF OPERATION
Sat: 10am - 4pm
Sun: 1pm-4pm
Contact us to make special arrangements
JOB OPENINIG!
Guest Ambassador
We are seeking a RESPONSIBLE and FRIENDLY person to host our museum guests!
Hours: 10-4 Saturdays, 1-4 Sundays,
with potential for more hours
This is a low impact job, that positively benefits our community!
Download and print the application below and bring in during business hours
or stop by to fill out an application. 11 N. Main Street Rockdale, TX 76567
Scroll down to contact us with any questions!
ABOUT US
Rockdale Historical Society is a 501 (c) (3) whose mission is to preserve, restore, and share central Texas and railroad history for the generations to come.
The organization purchased the depot in 1999, nearly 30 years after it was retired from service to the Missouri Pacific Railway, formerly the I&GN Railroad.
Through tireless effort by many individuals, generous donations, and grants from the Texas Historical Commission and others, the full restoration of this historic depot was completed in 2008.
Click below to learn more about the I&GN railway in Central Texas, and the huge restoration project undertaken to preserve this experiential piece of history.
RESTORED RAIL CARS
Welcome to the Missouri Pacific Caboose #12263. Built in 1948 and acquired by the Rockdale Historical Society in the early 2000's. It has been restored aesthetically and decorated with artifacts that might have been in daily use during its era.
Today, it is the perfect place to host a birthday party or small gathering!
Our Missouri Pacific Dining car, named the "Cheyenne Mountain" is a beautifully restored diner, available for private events.
Contact us for more info.
BAGGAGE ROOM
MODEL TRAIN DISPLAY
*NEW*
Thanks to the efforts of the Milam County Model Railroad Club and volunteers, our baggage room has undergone a major renovation and is home to a new O gauge model train layout. The centerpiece of the baggage room is a historic N scale rendition of 1920’s era Rockdale downtown, constructed by Rockdale resident Nolan Bland.
We are proud and grateful to share this display!
BLACKSMITH SHOP
Visit our working replica of a blacksmith shop that would have been found in the Rockdale area around the turn of the 20th century. Constructed with antique board and batten siding by members and volunteers in 2009.
We love to showcase demonstrations by a local blacksmith whenever we can.
Keep in touch with us here and on Facebook for future events.
CONTACT US
Please reach out with any questions!
Due to our limited onsite hours, email may provide the quickest response for your needs.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks to your support for us!
MOERBE PHOTOGRAPHY
MILAM COUNTY RAILROAD MUSEUM
ROCKDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
THE ROCKDALE REPORTER
ROCKDALE DEPOT MEMBERS
PHOTOS BY LEN KUBIAK
ALSO, EVERY PERSON AND BUSINESS THAT HAS SELFLESSLY OFFERED THEIR TIME AND RESOURCES OVER THE YEARS TO FURTHER OUR MISSION. THANK YOU!