For a revolutionary July 4th weekend celebration, climb aboard an antique narrow-gauge train for an excursion that circles the historic Piney Woods along the scenic Big Cypress Bayou.
The Historic Jefferson Railway will offer a special July 4th weekend as the history of Independence Day unfolds in the narrated day tours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 4, 5 & 6, 2019 with trains departing at 12:30 and 2:30. Come see the Support Our Troops display that honors the United States Military. Active Military personnel ride free.
Historic Jefferson Railway recreates the golden era of railroading with narrated historical day trains. As you roll through the history laden Piney Woods, you’ll view a Confederate Powder Magazine and traverse the site of one of the oldest, historical towns in Texas, with historical ruins from the 1800’s.
Each train ride includes a stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit to view the alligator feeding. There are great photo opportunities at the depot with one of the baby gators and at the Gator Pit during the feeding.
Stay in the Diamond Don RV Park, just a short one mile from Jefferson, on the Big Cypress Bayou, which keeps you close to the action. Beautiful wooded RV sites with lots of wildlife. Many of the RV sites have views of the Big Cypress Bayou. Free WIFI, showers, rest rooms and dump station. Launch your kayak or canoe right from the park. Enjoy fishing off the banks of the river. Tent campers welcome.
Jefferson Salutes American on Thursday, July 4th, beginning at 6:00 pm at Otstott Park in Downtown Jefferson, including musical entertainment, children’s games and parade; pie and cake auction. Be sure to stay for their Fireworks Display at 9:30.
Union Pacific recognizes Jefferson in their “Train Town USA” registry, so make it a full train weekend in Jefferson by including a visit to the R.D. Moses T & P Model Railroad Museum and touring Jay Gould’s “Atalanta” private railroad car.
While on the train, learn about the unique ecology of the area and hear a tale or two about Bigfoot.
Bigfoot (also known in these parts as the Boggy Creek monster) has been sighted running along the railroad tracks as the sun begins to set. Is the tale of the Bigfoot sightings fact or fiction?
The Texas Bigfoot Research Conservancy website says “Jerry Hestand, Mark Porter and Charles DeVore investigated a number of cases in Marion County from reliable trustworthy people in or near these remote bottomlands. It is their assessment that it seems highly likely that events have been reported accurately”.
The train rolls right by the home of the Boggy Creek monster as depicted in the horror movie, “Boggy Creek”, filmed in Jefferson and Uncertain. The movie is loosely based on the old Big Foot or Sasquatch legends, says Brian T. Jaynes, director and producer.
Jefferson is nestled deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas and seems frozen in time. It is a charming town and an elegant reminder of a bygone era. There are over a hundred buildings in the city with historical markers. Many historic homes offer bed and breakfast accommodations. Dozens of other historic buildings house museums, craft and antique shops and restaurants.
July 4, 5 & 6, 2019, Schedule and Fares
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Historic Jefferson Railway
400 E. Austin
Jefferson, TX 75657
866-398-2038
Depot opens at 11:00
Trains depart 12:30 & 2:30
Includes stop at Diamond Don Gator Pit for gator feeding
$12, plus tax, children under 6 free
Active Military ride free