Temple began in 1880, when Jonathan E. Moore sold 187 acres to the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway for a construction camp. The railroad called the site Temple Junction, for its chief engineer, Bernard Moore Temple. A post office opened and the name became Temple in January 1881, and the railroad sold town lots that June. The Missouri, Kansas and Texas line was built through in 1882, the year the town was incorporated. The Santa Fe Hospital followed in 1891, and Scott and White Hospital in 1904.
The depot was built between August 1909 and January 29, 1911. It is now the home of the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum, which the City of Temple runs through its parks department and shares with Amtrak. Permanent exhibits cover working and traveling on the railroad, with an emphasis on the Santa Fe Railway, and there are changing exhibits as well.
Railroad equipment stands outdoors beside an active rail yard, including the ATSF 2301 diesel locomotive. Wikipedia's inventory also lists Santa Fe steam locomotive 3423, the Budd sleeper Pine Mesa, several cabooses and a Pullman troop sleeper. The museum's page gives two addresses, 315 W. Avenue B and 1701 N. General Bruce Drive, so confirm the entrance before driving in.
The closest stops worth working into your route
Roadside plaques and monuments within a short detour