The Texas State Railroad is owned and operated by the American
Heritage Railways, and operates a variety of vintage steam and
diesel locomotives over 24 miles of track between its depots at
Palestine and Rusk in East Texas. The railroad's history was
patchy to say the least, and with hindsight it probably should
not have been built. However it was, and miraculously it
survived long enough into the 1960s to become a viable option
for preservation. The line re-opened as a preserved/tourist line
under State Park ownership in 1976. As the first steam tourist
steam line in Texas, it was a great success. Although visitor
numbers have dropped after other lines have opened, the Texas
State Railroad continues to be a success. More recently, the
poor financial condition of Texas State Parks & Wildlife
threatened to close the Texas State Railroad. Luckily American
Heritage Railways were able to purchase the operation and keep
it open. The Texas State Railroad started life in 1881 with the
completion of a large new priso