St. Louis Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) Passenger Depot
historic place
The St. Louis Southwestern Railway Passenger Depot, known as the Cotton Belt Depot, is a historic place in Tyler, Texas. Located in Smith County, this building was constructed in 1905. The depot served as a vital hub for daily rail operations, handling passengers, railway express, and freight customers. Its architecture blends Prairie, Mission Revival, and Craftsman design elements, reflecting common depot plans of the era. The St. Louis Southwestern Railway played a significant role in Tyler's economic development, supporting industrialization, manufacturing, and agricultural expansion. Passenger service at this depot ceased in April 1956. After its abandonment in 1977, the City of Tyler acquired the depot in 1988. Following a restoration program, it reopened in 2003. Today, the building houses the Cotton Belt Depot Museum and Tyler Transit offices. This depot remains Tyler's oldest surviving rail-related building, significant for its architecture and its association with the railroad's impact on the city.