A Crossing of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad and the International & Great Northern (I-GN) Railroad
One of the oldest major rail junctions in Texas is located in Taylor. The first rail line through the area was the International & Great Northern (I-GN) Railroad in 1876, followed soon thereafter by the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT, "Katy") Railroad in 1882. Tower 34 was established in 1904 to control the crossing of the north-south Katy main line between Waco and Houston, and the east-west I-GN main line from Laredo to Longview. Both lines are still in service and the Taylor yards remain busy for Union Pacific, successor to both railroads.
Above: This view to the north along the Katy shows Tower 34 in the
northeast quadrant of the diamond. The Katy depots are in the distance at
left. The photo was taken by John W Barriger III from the rear platform of his
business car, probably in the late 1930's or early 1940's.
Below: This shot was taken by Barriger on a different trip looking west on the I-GN. The Katy passenger depot is
visible at far right. (photos, John
W Barriger III National Railroad Library)
