Author of New M-K-T Railroad Book Coming to La Grange Depot Feb. 16

Up until the 1950s, the streamlined trains of the Katy railroad provided the most luxurious means of transportation to and from La Grange.

Railroad historian Steve Goen has produced a new pictorial book, “Passenger Trains of Texas – The Katy,” that brings the streamliner days back to life.

On Friday, Feb. 16, Friends of the La Grange Railroad Depot (FORRD) will host a book-signing event with Goen from 6-7 p.m. at the depot museum.

La Grange’s Missouri-Kansas-Texas depot, built in 1897, is the oldest railroad station in Texas still in its original location. The public is invited to the free event at the museum, 260 N. Washington St.

Trains like the Katy Flyer and the Texas Limited called on the depot until 1957, when the Katy eliminated passenger service. These trains and many more are featured in Goen’s newest volume, his 12th book featuring the railroads of Texas.

He published his first book, “Fort Worth & Denver Color Pictorial,” in 1996. Later books featured the Texas & Pacific, the Cotton Belt, and the Santa Fe, among others.

“This one is a beautiful hardbound book with many historical full-color photographs,” said Gary Lincke, president of FORRD. “Any Katy Railroad fan will love this book.”

The book (272 pages with almost 300 photos, $84.95) will be available for sale at the depot and during the booksigning.

Goen has been the guest speaker at numerous museums and universities across Texas, including Texas A&M, SMU, Tarleton State, Texas A&M-Commerce, Midwestern State University and the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library.