Q: How long is the train ride?
A: its 35-40 minutes long round trip.
Q: What if I never received an email for my tickets?
A: You will pick up your actual ticket at the depot. All you need is your receipt.
Q: Do you run in the rain?
A: Yes we do run in the rain. The cars are covered and the train only goes about 3 miles per hour, although if there is a torrential downpour or dangerous lighting we will either cancel or we may delay departure.
Q: Are you pet friendly?
A: Yes we are pet friendly, we just ask that you control them at all times.
Q: Can we bring food and drinks on the train?
A: Yes you are more than welcome to bring your own food or beverages. (no alcoholic beverages allowed)
Q: Are you handicap accessible?
A: Yes we have a ramp for wheelchairs. If you will be needing this just let us know and we will have it available.
Q: Things for kids to do at the depot?
A: There are Christmas coloring sheets and movies for the kids in our patio area.
Q: How early do I need to get my tickets?
A: You will want to have your tickets picked up no later than 30 minutes before your departure time.
Q: What should I bring if I am riding in the open coach?
A: The seats are metal so you will want to bring something to sit on. Blankets are also a good idea if it’s going to be cold out.
Q: Can I reschedule?
A: If a situation arises that you need to reschedule call as soon as you can so we can get you moved. (depends on availability)
Q: Seating?
A: Seating is assigned in the First Class car only. Open coach is first come, first served.
New Year’s Express Train
Press Release
November 19, 2018
For more information, contact
866-398-2038, info@jeffersonrailway.com
www.jeffersonrailway.com
Media Contact: Melissa Moit, Manager, 903-742-2041
New Year’s Express Train – Jefferson, Texas
Blast into the New Year aboard the New Year’s Express Train at Historic Jefferson Railway. Come along for a ride on an antique gas-powered train, for a narrated day trip along the beautiful Big Cypress Bayou. Enjoy a few vignettes along the way and hear about New Year’s traditions and customs around the world. The decorated depot captures the holiday spirit. Limited seating so get your tickets now.
Patrons will receive beverages, hats and noisemakers at the depot. Each train will include a simulation of the New Year’s Eve Ball dropping in Times Square followed by a fantastic show of five cannons firing dramatic “dragon’s breath.”
The beautiful enclosed first-class car offers a warmer experience while the open-canopied observation coach cars provide an excellent view of the ride along the river. If you are riding Coach Class, be sure to dress warmly and bring a blanket.
This ride is a narrated day trip that will give you stunning views of the wetlands, wildlife and Big Cypress Bayou as you share family time hearing about scenes of New Years along the track.
Historic Jefferson Railway is also running the Christmas Express, a narrated day train, on November 23 and 24; and each Saturday in December at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
Ticket Prices: First Class $15 plus tax, lap children are free; Coach Class: $12 plus tax, children under six are free. New Year’s Express Trains depart December 29 at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are available on-line at www.jeffersonrailway.com or call 866-398-2038.
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. The downtown area will be aglow with lights and greenery during the holiday season. 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.
Christmas and New Years are holidays celebrated around the Globe. Come make Jefferson a part of your holiday festivities.
Depot opens at 11:00 each day of the event
Christmas Express
Friday, November 23, 2018
Saturday November 24, December 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2018
12:30 pm & 2:30 pm
New Year’s Express
Saturday, December 29, 2018
12:30 pm & 2:30 pm
$15, First Class Enclosed Coach, plus applicable sales tax, lap children are free
$12, Open Coach, plus applicable sales tax, children under 6 are free
Christmas Express aboard Antique Train
November 21, 2018
For general information, contact
866-398-2038
info@JeffersonRailway.com
www.JeffersonRailway.com
For general information, contact
866-398-2038
info@JeffersonRailway.com
www.JeffersonRailway.com
Media Contact:
Melissa Moit, Manager
903-742-2041
info@JeffersonRailway.com
Melissa Moit, Manager
903-742-2041
info@JeffersonRailway.com
Christmas Express aboard Antique Train – Jefferson, Texas
Come take a ride on the Christmas Express, an antique gas-powered train, for a narrated day trip along the beautiful Big Cypress Bayou. Enjoy a few vignettes along the way and hear about Joyous Christmas Celebrations aboard the train that circles the Piney Woods. The decorated historic railroad depot captures the holiday spirit. Limited seating so get your tickets now.
The Christmas Express will run Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 23 and 24; and on Saturday December 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2018 at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
Inclement weather? No worries, just book into the First-Class coach, offering a beautiful historic, warm, enclosed coach. The open-canopied observation cars provide an excellent view of the ride along the river. If you are riding in the open coaches, be sure to dress warmly and bring a blanket, depending on the weather.
The excursion will take you by a life-size nativity scene and the post card sent by soldiers during World War II, and other favorites: Support our Troops display, a whimsical Teddy Bear tree; and Charlie Brown’s forlorn little Christmas tree.
This ride is a narrated day trip that will give you stunning views of the wetlands, wildlife and Big Cypress Bayou as you share family time hearing about scenes of Christmas along the track.
Stay, play, dine, shop and explore Jefferson – a small historic town nestled deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Jefferson seems frozen in time and is an elegant reminder of a bygone era.
Christmas Express
$15, First Class Enclosed Coach, plus applicable sales tax, lap children are free
$12, Open Coach, plus applicable sales tax, children under 6 are free
Depot opens at 11:00 each day of the Event
November 23 & 24, 2018
December 1, 8, 15, & 22, 2018
Friday @ 12:30 pm & 2:30 pm
Saturday @ 12:30 pm & 2:30 pm
October Train Rides
GREAT NEWS!!!!!!! We will continue to run DAY TRAINS ONLY each Saturday throughout the month of October. Join us for a fun filled month. Each train (weather permitting) will stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit for an alligator feeding. Depot opens at 11:00 am. Trains depart at 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30. Tickets are available by email at melissa@jeffersonrailway.com or by phone at 903-742-2041. Tickets will also be available online at www.jeffersonrailway.com. Fun things are happening in Jefferson, such as Art on The River Sept 29th, City wide rummage sale Oct 6th, The Burn Rally Oct 12-14th, 34th Norton Owners Bike Rally Oct 12-14th, Artisan Show in the Courtyard Oct 13, Bigfoot Conference Oct, 20th Annual Taste of Jefferson Oct 21st, Enoch’s Pumpkin Stomp Oct 27th and a city wide trick or treat event on Oct 27th. Come dressed in your favorite costume and bring extra buckets for lots of candy. We look forward to seeing you all. Please note that this IS NOT THE FRIGHT TRAIN, just our normal day train rides.
We have EXCITNG news!!!!!!
We will be running every Saturday throughout the month of September. The depot opens at 11am. Train departure time is 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30. Tickets are available online, by email, or by calling/texting 903-742-2041. Come join us as we ride along the Big Cypress Bayou and hear the history of Jefferson. Train ride includes a stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit for an alligator feeding. Come in and see Little Foot, our baby alligator.
Take a Ride to the 19th Century With Jefferson Railway
(Please note – the Steam Train only runs for special events. On most Saturdays, we run an antique gas-powered locomotive)
Jefferson Railway recreates the Golden Era of Steam Railroading
With steam hissing, whistle blowing and pistons chugging, the Historic Jefferson Railway recreates the Golden Era of Steam Railroading. The Robert E. Lee is a live steam, narrow gauge railway that takes you on a scenic 5-mile ride along the Big Cypress Bayou. The narrated tour is about 40 minutes long and runs on private property.
The train was built in 1964 for Six Guns Territory in Florida and moved to Jefferson in 1986. It is a Crown Metals reproduction of the 1870’s American class 4-4-0 steam locomotive christened the Robert E. Lee and known as Engine #7. The open car coach seats still carry the custom medallions cast into them designed especially for the Six Guns amusement park. It is one of few running steam trains in the U.S.
Crown Metal Products Company built this train and was one of the largest producers of park trains. Crown entered the park train industry when Ken Williams, owner, bought a small park engine. Before long, he had built his first steam engine and ultimately began producing live steam park engines. He built about 18 engines like Jefferson’s steam train.
The train can carry over 150 passengers and is a favorite of rail fans because of its authentic 1800’s look and operation.
Jefferson Railway Restores a Piece of History
Francene and Don Rainey purchased the property in April 2002 and opened for business on Labor Day 2002 after completely restoring the steam train, rolling stock and replacing about 1000 railroad ties. The rolling stock consists of the steam train, tender, enclosed coach and three open-canopied observation cars. An antique gas-powered locomotive was also purchased several years ago.
When they bought the train, the enclosed car had been totally vandalized and exposed to the elements for several years. Rainey completely restored the enclosed coach. He was lucky to find an original set of seats and curtains in the attic of the River City Mercantile. They had been there since 1986! David Sinclair and Bob Haynes graciously donated the seats and curtains to the train.
Jefferson Railway Brings History to Life
In 2017, a newly built flatbed railcar was pushed by the Jefferson Railway Steam Train during the Great Locomotive Chase to add authenticity to the skirmishes along the track, during Jefferson’s Civil War Days. Confederates and their cannons occupied the flatcar and battled the Federals along the Big Cypress Bayou to protect the City of Jefferson from Federal invasion.
Riders can see one of the few remaining Confederate Powder Magazines along the tour as well as the 1800’s historical ruins of the Clark and Boice Sawmill and the first iron foundry in East Texas. A narrator talks about the history of Jefferson and the ecology of the area. The excursion is a relaxing ride through the wetlands along the Big Cypress Bayou with views of the natural terrain and wildlife.
The Saturday day trains include a stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit that is home to seven alligators. Alligators have been around for millions of years and can weigh more than 1,000 pounds and grow as long as 14 feet. The alligators on this tour range from 4 to 9 feet. The Gator Pit is an educational display permitted by Texas Parks and Wildlife. The gators are in their natural habitat in a 30,000 sq ft enclosure.
The Historic Jefferson Railway keeps Jefferson a Train Town
Jefferson is known as a train town. Union Pacific recognizes Jefferson in their “Train Town USA” registry, so you can make it a full train weekend in Jefferson by including a visit to the R.D. Moses T & P Model Railroad Museum, a beautiful replication of the Texas and Pacific train; and touring Jay Gould’s “Atalanta” private railroad car. The famous railroad tycoon’s private parlor car is on display on Austin Street.
Amusement park trains have had a long and varied history. Many of the earliest park trains were custom built. Until the 1930’s and even into the amusement park renaissance of the 1970’s and 1980’s, they were usually powered by live steam. Often, the park engine was a scale model of a famous locomotive. People like the look of the steam locomotive. This fact enabled Crown Metal Products and a few other companies to continue to produce live steam locomotives into the early 1980’s.
Steam locomotives were first developed in Great Britain during the early 19th century and used for railway transport until the middle of the 20th century. The first steam locomotive, made by Richard Trevithick, first operated on 21 February 1804.
From the early 1900s, steam locomotives were gradually superseded by electric and diesel locomotives, with railways fully converting to electric and diesel power beginning in the late 1930s. The majority of steam locomotives were retired from regular service by the 1980s, though several continue to run on tourist and heritage lines, like the Jefferson Railway’s steam train.
Whether you enjoy shopping, outdoor adventures, a romantic stay in a B&B or learning more about the history of the area, a visit to Jefferson is perfect for you and the family. Enjoy a day trip or a weekend in romantic, historic Jefferson.
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. Two historic hotels grace Austin Street, where you drive on the brick pavers laid in the late 1800’s.
With so much to see and do, a visit to Jefferson should be included in your travel plans. You may never want to leave.
Kids Driving You Crazy? Bring Them Out To Jefferson Railway!
Kids driving you crazy? Bring them out for a ride on an antique narrow-gauge train along the Big Cypress Bayou in Jefferson, Texas. The Jefferson Railway will open on March 15 and run each Saturday through September 1.
Visit The Historic Jefferson Railway
Historic Jefferson Railway has added train rides during the week of spring break at 2:30 on March 15 and 16 with special pricing of $10 per ticket, plus tax. Enjoy the excellent view of the ride along the river in the open-canopied observation cars.
On Saturday, March 17, jump aboard the St. Patrick’s Day Express and see the “haunted” historic train depot decked out in green. Trains will depart at 12:30 and 2:30.
Every regularly scheduled train includes a stop at Diamond Don Gator Pit to view daily feedings of live alligators, with photo opportunities, depending on the weather.
Bring your RV or tent camp at Diamond Don RV just a short one mile from Jefferson, on the Big Cypress Bayou, keeping you close to the action. Beautiful wooded 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.
Railroading With The Historic Jefferson Railway
Historic Jefferson Railway recreates the Golden Era of railroading aboard an antique gas-powered locomotive with narrated historical day trains each Saturday at 12:30 and 2:30. 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. 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.
Historic Jefferson Railway Major Events
The Railway is a part of the thriving community of Jefferson sponsoring major events throughout the year. Patrons look forward all year to Diamond Don’s Riverport National Vintage Motocross, The Great Locomotive Chase & Civil War Days, and Jefferson Train Show.
Historic Jefferson Railway is located at 400 E. Austin in Downtown Jefferson, Texas. For information on pricing, schedule and special events, please call 866-398-2038.
Jefferson Railway Events
Thursday, Friday
March 15, 16 – special spring break pricing of $10 plus tax
Depot opens at noon
2:30 Narrated Day Train
Includes stop at Diamond Don Gator Pit – depending on weather
Saturday March 17 through September 1
Depot opens at 11:00
12:30 and 2:30 Narrated Train
Includes stop at Diamond Don Gator Pit – depending on weather
SATURDAY PRICING:
Open air coach $12, plus tax, children under 6 free
Note: Schedule subject to change for special events, weather, maintenance. Pricing may change for special events.
Historic Jefferson Railway Upcoming Events:
March 17, 2018
St. Patrick’s Day Express
Includes stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit for alligator feeding (weather permitting)
Saturday Narrated Historical Day Tours: 12:30 and 2:30
Celebrate the Green aboard the St. Patrick’s Day Express. The historic depot will be decked out in green.
March 23-25, 2018
2nd Annual Charles Garrett Memorial Metal Detecting Hunt
In partnership with Texas Assn of Metal Detecting Clubs
***Pre-registration is required***
Come out for a great weekend of metal detecting honoring the late Charles Garrett. There will be six different hunts, including “free range” hunting in the historic park itself. Best Finds Hunt, Lights Out Hunt, Free Range Hunt, and Kids Hunt (for those 12 and under). Optional Silver Hunt and Relic Hunt. Prize tokens will be hidden in each hunt area. Find one and you could win Garrett detectors, Pro-Pointers, and more! Each hunt package includes free tent camping in the park — to be held at Diamond Don RV Park. Many artifacts from the 1800’s have been found on the property and part of the property was also the City Dump for more than 100 years.
www.garrett.com
hunt@garrett.com
800-527-4011
March 24, 2018
SPECIAL STEAM TRAIN SATURDAY
Includes stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit for alligator feeding (weather permitting)
Saturday Narrated Historical Day Tours: 12:30 and 2:30
March 31, 2018
Easter egg Express
Includes stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit for alligator feeding (weather permitting)
Saturday Narrated Historical Day Tours: 12:30 and 2:30
Come ride the Easter Egg Express and participate in an Easter Egg Hunt for children under 12
April 12-15, 2018
Diamond Don’s 15th Annual AHRMA International Vintage Motocross
International Vintage Motocross which includes Charity Golf Shoot-out on Thursday, Cross Country and Trials on Friday, Vintage Motocross on Saturday with Post-Vintage on Sunday. 100cc Revenge races on Saturday and Sunday. The weekend will be full of motocross legends from around the world. Come out and see Brad Lackey, Steve Wise, Trey Jorski, Guy Cooper, Jeff Stanton and local legend, Trampas Parker.
May 4, 2018
Civil War Living History, “Day of Learning”, complete with a gunboat and cannons
9:00 – 2:30 at Diamond Don RV Park
The Great Locomotive Chase/The Andrews Raid, aboard a live steam train
Train departs from Diamond Don RV Park
Friday Narrated Historical Day Tours: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, and 12:30
Additional trains may be added depending on demand
www.JeffersonCivilWarDays.com
May 5-6, 2018
Special Train Schedule for Jefferson’s Civil War Weekend
The Great Locomotive Chase – The Andrews Raid & Train Battle of Port Jefferson
SPECIAL – STEAM TRAIN
Trains depart from downtown Jefferson depot
Saturday 11:00, 12:30, 2:30, 4:00 and 5:30
Sunday 11:30 and 1:00
Come ride a live steam train and experience the story of The Andrews Raid, the Civil War’s most gripping railroad story. See the living history camps along the river, and the soldiers from the North and South battling the train, complete with cannons and gunboat. Keep your seat on the train as the battle rages around you.
May 12, 2018
Mother’s Day Express
Includes stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit for alligator feeding (weather permitting)
Saturday Narrated Historical Day Tours: 12:30 and 2:30
Mothers receive a 10% discount when accompanied by their children.
May 19 & 20, 2018
Jefferson Train Show
SPECIAL – STEAM TRAIN
Saturday Narrated Historical Day Tours: 12:30 and 2:30
Sunday Narrated Historical Day Tours: 2:30
Jefferson’s 7th Annual Train Show. Four destinations: Jefferson Train Show, T&P Model Train Depot, Jay Gould Car and Historic Jefferson Railway. Tickets available at each venue during event weekend.
info@jeffersonrailway.com
www.JeffersonTrainDays.com
May 20, 2018
Sunday Social and Shoot-Out
Jefferson Train Show
1:00-3:00
Come join an old fashioned Sunday Social at the General Store on Austin Street in downtown Jefferson. Purchase a root beer float, nostalgic candy and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Gunfights in the street; strolling musicians, and Riverport Ambassadors in period dress make this is an event you will want to see. There will be plenty of time to participate in the Jefferson Train Show. Four destinations: Jefferson Train Show, T&P Model Train Depot, Jay Gould Car and Historic Jefferson Railway. Tickets available at each venue during event weekend.
info@jeffersonrailway.com
www.JeffersonTrainDays.com
May 26, 2018
Includes stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit for alligator feeding (weather permitting)
Memorial Day Celebration at Historic Jefferson Railway
Saturday Narrated Historical Day Tours: 12:30 and 2:30
Celebrate Memorial Day at the Historic Jefferson Railway. Come see the Support Our Troops display that honors the United States Military. Active Military personnel ride free.