Galveston Railroad Museum

Pullman Porter

At the Galveston Railroad Museum, visitors can learn about the critical role of Pullman porters in shaping American society.

Beginning in the early 20th century, African American men were hired by the Pullman Palace Car Company to serve white passengers on luxury railroad sleeping cars. Despite being highly skilled and hard-working, these porters were often subjected to low wages and poor working conditions.

In response to these injustices, a group of porters came together in 1925 to form the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Led by civil rights leader A. Philip Randolph, this organization, fought for better working conditions, higher pay for its members, and broader social justice for African Americans across the country.

Today, the contributions of Pullman porters continue to be recognized and celebrated at museums like the Galveston Railroad Museum, which features an exhibit dedicated to their important story.

Santa Fe Railway Calendar Collection By Harry & David Briscoe

The Santa Fe Railway Calendar Collection is a collection of vintage calendars produced by the Santa Fe Railway, one of the largest and most influential railroads in American history. 

These beautiful calendars feature striking images of trains and other railroad-related scenes from across the country, making them an invaluable resource for those interested in the history of railroads and travel in America.

Santa Fe Warbonnets

At The Galveston Railroad Museum, visitors can see two F-7 locomotives in Santa Fe Warbonnet paint – a legendary and iconic design initially used by the Santa Fe Railway. These locomotives were built by General Motors’ Electro-Motive Division in 1953 and served on various railways, including Southern Pacific, the Port of Allegheny Railroad, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation, before coming to the museum in 2011. 

In recognition of the historic Texas Chief passenger train, which operated between 1948 and 1967, the museum received permission from Burlington Northern Santa Fe to adopt the Warbonnet scheme for its F-7 locomotives. With their distinctive red and yellow colors and classic design, these locomotives are a must-see for any rail enthusiast visiting the Galveston Railroad Museum.

People’s Gallery

The People’s Gallery at the Galveston Railroad Museum is a unique exhibit that pays tribute to the role of railroading in this coastal city. Located in the former Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe depot, this gallery features 31 life-size plaster statues that are dressed in period clothing from the 1930s. 

Created by artists Ivan and Elliot Schwartz of StudioEIS, these statues reflect significant moments and people from Galveston’s railroad history. Some of the figures highlight notable events, such as the construction of a transcontinental railroad line, while others represent essential figures who played key roles in the development of railroading on Galveston Island. Overall, the People’s Gallery is an engaging and informative experience for visitors of all ages.

Passenger Cars

The museum features a wide variety of passenger cars, including the luxurious Bonnie Brook and the Southern Dining Car #3305. These cars are available for rent as birthday party venues. The museum has several sleeper cars, including the Center for Transportation and Commerce sleeper Donald E. Harper Jr. and the Southern Dining Car #3305. 

These cars are Amtrak certified and are pulled by the museum’s Warbonnets on annual excursions and during The Polar Express™ train rides. The museum also has a post office car, Illinois Central Rail Post Office Car #100, which starred in the 1998 film The Newton Boys.

Locomotives

The Galveston Railroad Museum has various locomotives on display, ranging from steam to diesel. The Center for Transportation and Commerce #1983 is a General Electric 80-tonner that was built in 1958. The Union Pacific Engine #410 is a Fairbanks-Morse H20-44 that was built in 1954 and was the last engine of its type built. The Center for Transportation and Commerce #555 is a 2-8-0 Consolidation class locomotive that Alco built in 1922. 

The Waco, Beaumont, Trinity, & Sabine Railway #1 is a 2-6-2 Prarie Class Locomotive that was built in 1920 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. The Southern Pacific #314 is a 4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler class locomotive that Cooke Locomotive Works built in 1892. The Oregon, Pacific, and Eastern Engine #112 is a locomotive that was built by Lima Locomotive Works in 1923 and is a Class B Shay locomotive.

Garden of Steam

The Garden of Steam at the Galveston Railroad Museum is one of the most popular exhibits in the museum, featuring a wide range of fascinating steam engines and other artifacts. With its open layout and beautiful greenery, the Garden is an ideal venue for weddings, corporate events, and parties.

Visitors can marvel at the museum’s vertical steam engine, a towering structure that dates back to the 1800s. Other highlights include a 1911 Case Steam Tractor, showcasing one of the earliest diesel engine models ever produced, as well as various displays on locomotive history and technology. Additionally, guests can enjoy a ride on the museum’s mini-train or explore the extensive grounds surrounding this unique cultural attraction.

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Sleep on a Train 

The Galveston Railroad Museum is a great place to experience travel in a bygone era, and one of the best ways to do that is by spending the night in their historic train cars. With its vintage 1949 rail coach, The Bonnie Brook, the overnight rental offers a one-of-a-kind experience like no other. Fully outfitted with modern amenities and 24-hour porter service, you will enjoy unparalleled comfort and luxury while staying on the rails.