Cotton Belt Railroad Timetables (January, 1930)
Published: May 17, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Featured here is the St. Louis Southwestern Railway's timetables from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." The Cotton Belt Route began in 1871 in Tyler, Texas. Local businessman James P. Douglas and investors launched the Tyler Tap Railroad to haul cotton from East Texas farms to market. Reorganized in 1879 as the Texas and St. Louis Railway, the line pushed north through Arkansas, reaching St. Louis by the mid-1880s. After financial struggles and foreclosure, it reemerged in January 1891 as the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, linking St. Louis and Memphis to Dallas, Fort Worth, and Gatesville, Texas.
Primarily a cotton hauler, the railroad diversified into general freight. Southern Pacific gained control in 1932, operating it as a vital subsidiary until 1992. SP’s 1996 merger with Union Pacific folded the historic Cotton Belt lines into America’s largest railroad network, ending more than a century of independent identity.
Recent Articles
-
New Jersey "Father's Day" Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:59 AM
There are a few locations in New Jersey celebrating dads with a train ride. Learn more about these unique trips here! -
Illinois 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:56 AM
Among Illinois's scenic train rides, one of the most unique and captivating experiences is the murder mystery excursion. -
Kentucky 'Dinner Train' Rides From Bardstown
May 19, 26 11:53 AM
The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history. -
Vermont 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:50 AM
There are currently murder mystery dinner trains offered in Vermont but until recently the Champlain Valley Dinner Train offered such a trip! -
Ohio - Beer Tasting - Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:49 AM
The Ohio Rail Experience's Quincy Sunset Tasting Train is a new offering that pairs an easygoing evening schedule with a signature scenic highlight: a high, dramatic crossing of the Quincy Bridge over… -
Texas 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:43 AM
Texas State Railroad's “Pints In The Pines” train is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the line: a vintage evening departure, craft beer samplings, and a catered dinner at the Rusk depot un… -
South Dakota 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:40 AM
For wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike, South Dakota introduces a novel way to experience its local viticulture: wine tasting aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad. -
New Mexico 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:33 AM
For oenophiles and adventure seekers alike, wine tasting train rides in New Mexico provide a unique opportunity to explore the region's vineyards in comfort and style. -
Amtrak's First Airo Trainset Arrives in Seattle
May 19, 26 10:01 AM
Amtrak's next-generation Airo passenger trainset has officially arrived in Seattle, marking a major milestone in the railroad's largest fleet overhaul in decades and the start of a new era for travel… -
Maine "Ice Cream" Tasting Train Rides
May 19, 26 09:49 AM
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum’s Ice Cream Train is a family-friendly Friday-night tradition that turns a short rail excursion into a small event. -
TP&W Railway Timetables (January, 1930)
May 18, 26 03:23 PM
Featured here is the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway's timetables listed in the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
CSX SD40-2 8888, "Crazy Eights": The 2001 Runaway Train
May 18, 26 02:02 PM
On May 15, 2001, a single locomotive—CSX SD40-2 No. 8888—began one of the most infamous runaway train incidents in American railroad history. -
North Carolina "Ice Cream Tasting" Train Rides
May 18, 26 01:40 PM
One of the most popular warm-weather offerings at NCTM is the Ice Cream Train, a simple but brilliant concept: pair a relaxing ride with a classic summer treat. -
New York "Ice Cream Tasting" Train Rides
May 18, 26 01:32 PM
While CMRR runs several seasonal excursions, one of the most family-friendly (and, frankly, joyfully simple) offerings is its Ice Cream Express. -
New Mexico 'Murder Mystery' Train Rides
May 18, 26 12:31 PM
Among Sky Railway's most theatrical offerings is “A Murder Mystery,” a 2–2.5 hour immersive production that drops passengers into a stylized whodunit on the rails. -
Michigan 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 18, 26 12:28 PM
Among the lesser-known treasures of this state are the intriguing murder mystery dinner train rides—a perfect blend of suspense, dining, and scenic exploration. -
Ohio 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 18, 26 12:24 PM
Among the intriguing ways to experience Ohio's splendor is aboard the wine tasting trains that journey through some of Ohio's most picturesque vineyards and wineries. -
Pennsylvania 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 18, 26 12:22 PM
Wine tasting trains are a unique and enchanting way to explore the state’s burgeoning wine scene while enjoying a leisurely ride through picturesque landscapes. -
Minnesota BBQ Tasting Train Rides
May 18, 26 12:10 PM
If you’re looking for a perfect mix of nostalgia, stunning Lake Superior views, and mouthwatering food, the North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth, Minnesota, delivers—literally. -
South Carolina BBQ Tasting Train Rides
May 18, 26 12:05 PM
There is only location in the Palmetto State offering a true dinner train experience can be found at the South Carolina Railroad Museum. Learn more here. -
Cotton Belt Railroad Timetables (January, 1930)
May 18, 26 12:00 AM
Featured here is the St. Louis Southwestern Railway's timetables from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Pere Marquette Timetables (January, 1930)
May 17, 26 11:42 PM
Presented here is the Pere Marquette Railway's timetables from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Minneapolis & St. Louis Timetables (August, 1952)
May 17, 26 01:19 PM
Featured here is the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway's timetables featured in the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Virginia 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 17, 26 01:10 PM
Among the state's railroad attractions, murder mystery dinner trains stand out as a captivating fusion of theatrical entertainment, fine dining, and scenic travel. -
Maryland 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 17, 26 12:42 PM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
Ohio "BBQ Tasting" Train Rides
May 17, 26 11:28 AM
Among the HVSR's most popular special events is the “Starbrick BBQ Ribs and Wings Dinner Train,” a culinary-themed excursion that combines classic barbecue cuisine with a relaxing evening rail journey… -
Florida "BBQ Tasting" Train Rides
May 17, 26 11:24 AM
While Florida does not currently offer any BBQ train rides the Florida Railroad Museum does host a similar event, a campfire experience! -
Wisconsin "BBQ Tasting" Train Rides
May 17, 26 11:18 AM
The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad will once again welcome passengers aboard its popular Spring BBQ Dinner Train in 2026. -
Colorado "BBQ Tasting" Train Rides
May 17, 26 11:14 AM
One of the most popular ways to ride the Leadville Railroad is during a special event—especially the Devil’s Tail BBQ Special, an evening dinner train that pairs golden-hour mountain vistas with a hea… -
West Virginia 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 17, 26 11:07 AM
West Virginia, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offers visitors a unique way to explore its rolling hills and picturesque vineyards: wine tasting trains. -
Utah 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 17, 26 11:06 AM
Utah, a state widely celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, is also gaining recognition for an unexpected yet delightful experience: wine tasting trains. -
LS&I Railroad Timetables (January, 1930)
May 17, 26 12:17 AM
Featured here is the Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad's timetable listing from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
The Wellington Avalanche: One Of America's Deadliest Train Disasters
May 16, 26 11:31 PM
The Wellington Avalanche was the deadliest such disasters in the U.S. and one of the worst railroad accidents of all time resulting in 96 deaths in 1910. -
International-Great Northern Timetables (January, 1910)
May 16, 26 01:44 PM
Featured here is the International-Great Northern's timetables listed in the January, 1910 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Illinois Terminal Timetables (January, 1930)
May 16, 26 12:08 PM
Covered here is the Illinois Terminal's timetables from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Grand Trunk Western Timetables (August, 1952)
May 16, 26 11:58 AM
Included here is the Grand Trunk Western's timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Florida 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 16, 26 11:18 AM
Among the Sugar Express's most popular “kick off the weekend” events is Sunset & Suds—an adults-focused, late-afternoon ride that blends countryside scenery with an onboard bar and a laid-back social… -
Illinois 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 16, 26 11:16 AM
Among IRM’s newer special events, Hops Aboard is designed for adults who want the museum’s moving-train atmosphere paired with a curated craft beer experience. -
Wisconsin 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 16, 26 11:14 AM
The East Troy Railroad Museum's Beer Tasting Train, a 2½-hour evening ride designed to blend scenic travel with guided sampling. -
Minnesota 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 16, 26 11:12 AM
Murder mystery dinner trains offer an enticing blend of suspense, culinary delight, and perpetual motion, where passengers become both detectives and dining companions on an unforgettable journey. -
Georgia 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 16, 26 11:10 AM
In the heart of the Peach State, a unique form of entertainment combines the thrill of a murder mystery with the charm of a historic train ride. -
Vermont 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 16, 26 11:07 AM
Known for its stunning green mountains, charming small towns, and burgeoning wine industry, Vermont offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends all these elements: wine tasting train rides. -
Rhode Island 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 16, 26 11:05 AM
It may the smallest state but Rhode Island is home to a unique and upscale train excursion offering wide aboard their trips, the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad. -
AHRS Receives UP SD40-2 3593 "Desert Victory"
May 16, 26 10:59 AM
The American Heartland Railroad Society is pleased to announce the donation of the historic Union Pacific SD40-2 #3593, also known as Desert Victory, from the Rapid City, Pierre and Eastern Railroad. -
Green Bay & Western Timetables (March, 1940)
May 16, 26 10:05 AM
Featured here is the Green & Western Railroad's brief timetable listing from the March, 1940 edition of the "Official Guide." -
EJ&E Railway Timetables (January, 1930)
May 15, 26 11:40 PM
Featured here is the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway's timetables presented in the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific Timetables (January, 1930)
May 15, 26 11:26 PM
Covered here is the Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific Railway's brief timetable listing from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Historic B&O Station In Wheeling Reborn
May 15, 26 02:27 PM
On a crisp May morning in 2026, state officials, college leaders, and community members gathered outside the stately French Renaissance-style building that has anchored downtown Wheeling for more than… -
Fort Worth and Denver Railway: The "Denver Road"
May 15, 26 01:10 PM
The Fort Worth and Denver Railway (reporting mark FWD), nicknamed "the Denver Road," was a Class I American railroad that operated primarily in northern Texas from 1881 to 1982. -
Rio Grande 2-8-0 340 To Operate On The Durango & Silverton
May 15, 26 12:28 PM
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is thrilled to announce a once-in-a-generation homecoming: former Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) 2-8-0 340 will operate on its original Colorado narr…
