Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society Tyler Tap Chapter

Enter from street side

Come and see the exhibits from the McDaniel Collection at the depot. Click here to see items in the collection.

The museum is looking for volunteer members to help the museum be open more often. If interested please send an email to "cbrhstt@gmail.com".

Greater Upper East Texas Area Model Railroaders

The greater upper East Texas area model train enthusiasts are invited to join our local Group.

Check our Facebook page:

Smith County Texas Train Club

The Cotton Belt Depot was opened to the public in 1905 and continued service until the last passenger train, #8, departed in April 1956. In 1988 the Southern Pacific deeded the depot to the City of Tyler. The City restored the depot to her orginal beauty in 2003.

Today the depot facilitates the Cotton Belt Depot Museum in the old baggage section on the east end of the building. It was opened in 2005 and is staffed by volunteers from the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society, Tyler Tap Chapter. The Depot Museum has welcomed visitors from all 50 States, the District of Columbia and over 45 foreign countries. Over 300 visiters visit the depot each month and tours are conducted during normal business hours or by special arrangement at other times.

Items of interest in the museum

• Artifacts, memorabila, and pictures from the "Cotton Belt" in Tyler, Texas. Winfield paintings.
• The famous "Bragg Train Collection" of Lionel Electric Trains that includes over 200 engines and 1600 cars donated by Sharon Bragg.
• There are operating O and HO scale model railroads.
• Union Pacific Railroad's west bound Corsicana Sub runs freight trains past the depot. .
• FREE admission. Donations are appreciated.
• Group Tours by Appointment Only Please.