Historical Marker
Moscow, Camden & San Augustine Railroad
Camden, Polk County · Texas
Erected 1968
Its May 18, 1898 charter aimed to reach San Augustine, about fifty miles east, but the lumber company built only the seven miles to Camden, in 1899. Beyond Camden a tram line brought logs from Camp Ruby, meeting the track at a Y used to turn locomotives. At Moscow the train stopped on a hill while the engine was turned, then coasted into the depot siding, until April 1959 when a larger leased locomotive would not fit the turntable. Passenger service ended in July 1973, partly out of fear of accidents at the busy Highway 59 crossing.
What the plaque says
Moscow, Camden & San Augustine Railroad Texas' shortest (and one of its oldest) "mixed"-train railroads. Has passenger and freight cars pulled by a single engine on a 7-mile system, 5 days a week. Chartered 1898 by lumberman W. T. Carter to connect sawmill town of Camden with Texas & New Orleans Railway at Moscow. "Panama No. 201," now retired to Camden with other old steam engines, was used in building the Panama Canal in 1914. It was last locomotive in service here, 1965. Passenger coach with original rattan seats began its career 1898 on Long Island Railroad. (1968)
Where it stands
30.91649, -94.73947 · Directions
More markers nearby
- Texas Statesman William Pettus Hobby — 5.1 mi
- Moscow — 5.2 mi
- Site of Old Peach Tree Village — 7.7 mi
- Town of Corrigan — 7.7 mi