On June 10, 2006, Mineola’s Historic Depot was rededicated to celebrate the completion of its restoration. From 1974 until 1996, the Amtrak Texas Eagle and its predecessor trains passed through the community of 5,000 without stopping. However, Mineola community leaders convinced Amtrak to make their city a stop, based on creative local marketing and a promise to renovate the train station. The renovation recaptured the depot’s original 1906 appearance, which had been destroyed during a 1951 modernization project. In an effort to streamline the building, the railroad had replaced the hipped roof with a flat version and stripped away much of the depot’s decorative detail.

The 2005 remodeling project included restoration of the building’s exterior to its original design. The upper portion of the walls is painted a bright beige, which contrasts nicely with green trim around the windows and doors. Large metal brackets support a canopy that wraps around the structure. Other improvements to the site include new signage, parking, fencing, landscaping, and bicycle racks. There is also space for a future ticket agent’s office. The depot now features a Museum of Railroad Memorabilia as well as a restored caboose on the grounds.

The restoration of the Mineola Depot is fitting for a city that owes its existence to the railroad. Mineola came into existence when railroad companies began building lines through East Texas. Two railroads, the Texas & Pacific (T&P) and the International & Great Northern, raced to see which could get to Mineola first. It was a close race, but the I & GN reached Mineola 15 minutes earlier. Both railroads eventually became part of Union Pacific. According to some, the town was named by an International - Great Northern Railroad official who laid-out the town site combining a friend’s name–Minnie Patten–and that of his daughter–Ola. 

The city used grants from the Texas Department of Transportation ($550,000), Mineola Development Inc. ($195,820) and the Meredith Foundation ($46,000 for a railroad museum) and raised additional funds ($13,000) to support the project. The multi-modal depot is now known as the Mineola Transportation Plaza and won the “Best Building Restoration” award from the Texas Downtown Association in 2006; the city leases the property from the Union Pacific Railroad. In 2013, the downtown core, which includes the depot, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the US Department of the Interior.

Amtrak provides a Quik-Trak machine at this facility, but does not provide baggage services.  An attendant is in the depot to help you with ticket purchases and information. Mineola is served by two daily trains: East bound arrives around 9:30 a.m and west bound stops about 5:00 p.m.

Mineola is in the heart of East Texas timber country, making timber readily available for railroad tie-making and lumber. The construction of a T&P Railroad shop and the discovery of oil in Wood County in the 1940s caused growth as well. Two railroad hotels, Beckham (to the north) and Carleton Bay (in the south) served train crews on layovers between trips.  The Beckham has recently undergone a restoration and is open for business as a boutique hotel with a restaurant and antique shop. 

The Historic Depot Museum features railroad memorabilia and interactive train models that allows the viewer to control the trains set in a 1930's recreation of Downtown Mineola. 

Mineola is home to many bed-and-breakfasts and antique stores. Events and festivals take place year-round. The Railroad Heritage Festival takes place in October. The Select Theater is also an attraction. The 100-year-old playhouse is the last remaining movie house in Mineola and plays an active role in the community. Willie Brown, the eventual Speaker of the California Assembly and Mayor of San Francisco was born and raised in Mineola before leaving after high school graduation. He was another of the advocates for the Amtrak stop in Mineola and rode the first Amtrak Texas Eagle to stop in Mineola in 1996. 

A restored Texas & Pacific Caboose is located just north of the Depot and is available for tours by appointment. 

Additional information available at Great American Stations.

Transportation Plaza

115 Front Street

Mineola, TX 75773

See map: Google Maps