Railway Museum of San Angelo

Discover History and Adventure at the Railway Museum of San Angelo.

Nestled in the heart of our city is the majestic Historic Orient/Santa Fe Passenger Depot built in 1910. The Railway Museum of San Angelo has been captivating visitors since volunteers saved the depot from demolition in 1996. This beacon of history and heritage owes its vibrant life to the dedication of our volunteers and the strong support from our community and partners. Together, we've made it our mission to keep the rich narrative of the railroads' integral role in the development and growth of San Angelo and the surrounding regions both preserved and celebrated.

We have displays of curated railway artifacts, costumed volunteers leading tours, a speakers series, historical plays created specifically about the origins of the railroad in San Angelo, static displays of locomotives, crafts and stories for children, big events with vendors and food trucks, a little choo choo train for kids, and educational opportunities.

Step into a world where history comes alive, and the legacy of the railways continues to inspire awe and wonder in all who visit. Join us on this fascinating journey through time at the Railway Museum of San Angelo.

Testimonials

I’ve often said, “I am a prenatal model railroader.” When my mother told my grandfather she was expecting a child, he immediately bought a Lionel train set, which I still treasure today. My grandfather sparked in me a lifelong love of trains, model railroading, history, and preservation. That love grew even stronger in sixth grade, when I learned the Missouri Pacific depot in New Braunfels was going to be torn down, and I began to understand how preservation and model railroading could work together to keep history alive.

After moving to West Texas nearly twenty years ago, I became a patron of the Railway Museum of San Angelo, and after retiring from full-time law enforcement, I was able to become an active volunteer. Today, as president of the board, I am proud to help preserve and share the railroad story of West Texas. With your support, we can continue welcoming families and visitors, educate new generations, and keep this important part of our heritage alive. Everyone loves seeing a train running around a Christmas tree, but the Railway Museum helps tell the larger story of how railroads helped build our communities and shape American life. --Christopher Roque

The Railway Museum building has always caught my attention for being a saved, restored historical building. I answered a call for actors to participate in the fund-raiser. I was accepted as a cast member, and that got me hooked on the Railway Museum. I started assisting with tours for area schools and children’s groups. Their excitement for the model trains is always amazing.

I enjoy working on a board that is open to new ideas, and willing to donate their time and physical effort into making it work. The board encourages partnering with other organizations to achieve goals for all.  Donations to the Railway Museum will be well spent and monitored to ensure that funds are used within the mission of the Museum.—Mary Alice Smith

I have always had an interest in trains, especially the steam locomotives. The mechanical aspects, repairing them and keeping older ones running, is very  interesting.  My favorite railroad scale is HO, but all are fun. There are so many ways to buiild a realistic layout and that is challenging.  The historical part of moving people and goods is a great part of American history. --Greg Johnson with Bliss Bignall, 2025 Volunteers of the Year

My husband and I moved to San Angelo in February 2019, without knowing anyone here, My husband died that September. By the time I had finished settling his estate, COVID had shut things down. So when one of the few friends I had made here before the shutdown suggested that I would be a good tour guide at the Railway Museum, I was ready to try it because it would teach me something about the history of my new (and favorite) hometown, and let me meet new people, both citizens of San Angelo and visitors.

Now that I've been here a while, I love learning more about the history of this town and its relationship with railroads. One way to do so has been to participate in some of the history-based plays we've produced at the museum.

My dad told me when I was a girl that if I wanted to claim to be a member of a club, church community or any other organization, I should actively support that organization with my time and talents, not just add it to my list of interests. I have found that to be good advice - when I support the organizations I've joined, I am rewarded with a lot of fun and positive reinforcement with the people who come into the museum either as visitors or volunteers. Besides, who doesn't like getting to wear cool costumes at work?--Liz Curtis