07/07/2026
Imagine the excitement in Palestine on July 7, 1872.
The railroad had finally arrived, bringing with it a new sense of possibility for the town. To mark the occasion, passengers boarded an excursion train to Long Lake, where the community gathered for a picnic and celebration.
What may have felt like one memorable day became the beginning of something much bigger. The railroad would go on to influence Palestine’s growth, bring new people and businesses to the area, and connect the town to places and stories far beyond East Texas.
You can learn more about those connections in our newest exhibit, “Palestine Connected by Rail: How Railroads Connected Palestine to the People, Places, and Stories of America.”
Visit the museum and discover how the railroad helped shape the Palestine we know today.
📍 808 W. Oak Street, Palestine, Texas
🕰 Wednesday: 12:00–4:30 p.m.
Thursday–Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
