02/15/2025
Why Magnolia?
History
Brief Historical Information
Depot exteriorThe year 1840 may have been the turning point in the history of what is now known as Magnolia, Texas. That was the year that the southern boundary of Montgomery County was extended to Spring Creek. This area was officially named Mink, Texas on September 3, 1885. The first known application for "Magnolia" was dated January 17, 1885, however; the official name change to Magnolia did not occur until July 28, 1903.
By 1924 it was a thriving community. Several large sawmills were open as well as several general stores, saloons, barbershop, ice cream store, telephone office, livery stable, bank, hotel, boarding house, doctor’s office, pharmacy, blacksmith shop, syrup and grist mills, churches, school, land office, railroad depot, telegraph station, cotton gin, tanning yard, feed store and garage. Magnolia became a shipping center for lumber, farm products and cattle.
Depot exteriorAn election was held on September 28, 1968, to determine if the territory known as Town of Magnolia should become an incorporated municipality. There were a total of 123 votes cast, 106 votes for and 17 votes against. The City of Magnolia became an incorporated municipality on October 15, 1968 with Cedric Smith serving as the first Mayor.
The Depot is located in the heart of downtown Magnolia at 426 Melton Street, Magnolia, Texas 77353. The Depot has been made a habitable building without compromising its historic integrity. In October 2005 The Depot was moved to a new location directly across the railroad tracks due to highway expansion plans, therefore, rendering The Depot ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Depot exteriorThe Depot provides an active link to the City’s past and a focal point for its future. Today, The Depot serves as a public facility for meetings, receptions, activities and parties. The Magnolia Historical Society maintains and operates The Depot and makes it available to groups for a nominal fee. Everyone who enters The Depot, with its exposed wood trusses, plank flooring and sliding freight doors, is reminded of the glory days of train travel. The Depot and its adjacent railroad tracks were vital players in Magnolia’s early days. Restoring The Depot not only preserved that history for future generations, but also gave the community a project to share and a beautiful structure to use and enjoy.
The Historical Society member’s determination and success have fostered a can-do attitude toward other preservation projects such as the addition of the first doctor’s office in Mink, Texas (now Magnolia) and plans for a sawmill in the future.
Depot Day happens each year annually in April and brings entertainers, craft booths, great food, live and silent auctions and precious socializing with friends, neighbors and visitors. The Depot also sponsors annual Halloween and Christmas events. The Haunted Depot and Spooky Caboose event is held each Halloween night for the unique enjoyment of the Magnolia community. The Hometown Christmas event is held each December in conjunction with the Annual Christmas Parade. The activities of this event include vendors, activities for children as well as a visit from Santa.
The proceeds from all events sponsored by The Historical Society are used for facility maintenance and future events.
Photo credit: Bytes of Life
