Community > Main Street Project

Office and Headquarters at:
Visitor's Center
301 North Beaton Street
Corsicana, Texas 75110

When it came to the attention of the Corsicana Main Street Project that a historic turn-of-the-century freight depot was in peril, they quickly gathered support to save the structure. With the encouragement and assistance of the Main Street Advisory Board and City staff members, plans were made to purchase the building and have it moved to a location near the original rail line. The relocation of the depot to Highway 31, at the south entrance of Downtown and leading to Collin Street Bakery and the Pearce Civil War Museum, made it an ideal candidate to serve as a Corsicana Visitor's Center and Main Street Project office.

The structure dates back to 1895, when it was originally built as a freight depot for the St. Louis, Arkansas and Texas Railroad, also known as the Cotton Belt Line. The building has a great historical value and was very well preserved for a wooden structure. The restoration of the freight depot began in August 2003 when the City Council allotted funds for the purchase and relocation of the structure. It was crucial for preliminary work to begin to secure the building and repair and reconstruct the metal roof. The City of Corsicana received a grant of $50,000 from the Navarro Community Foundation to begin work and continued funding the project was received from Bank of America Trusts and the J. Tom Eady Charitable Trust.

A restored 1913 Interurban Rail Car, which ran from Corsicana to Dallas, will soon join the Depot under a pavillion designed to reflect the original Cotton Belt Train Station. Landscape improvements and additional parking will complete the Visitor's Center and historic Rail Complex site at Allyn Park. This new attraction will peak the interest of those fascinated with rail history, as well as provide visitors with information on all points of interest in the Corsicana area.

Email: Contact Main Street Project

Link: Main Street Project (more info)