Marker Inscription
Railroads greatly impacted the development of Texas by allowing year-round transport and delivery of goods. The Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad bypassed Belton in 1881, and residents arranged for the rail line to build a spur into the city. In 1882, the Missouri, Kansas & Texas (Katy) Railroad came to Belton and established a bridge across the Leon River, making Belton a shipping center for area cotton growers. Circa 1900, the Katy Railroad built this bridge to replace earlier trestles. The riveted steel Parker truss structure, visible from Taylors Valley Road, is an example of early 20th century engineering and is a reminder of the importance of rail service to the development of Belton. (2004)
About this site
Missouri, Kansas & Texas (Katy) Railroad Bridge is a historical marker in Belton, Bell County, dedicated in 2004. It is one of 226 historical markers documented in Bell County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 411 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 31.0477, -97.4367 near Belton. The nearest cataloged historic site is Hamilton, Jeff (historical marker), about 0.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include East Belton Cemetery, Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad Bridge at the Leon River, and Belton Yarn Mill (Demolished c.2015).
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507013373. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
