Trains, Ghosts and Bigfoot Sightings
JEFFERSON- Take a step back in time as the Historic Jefferson Railway takes you on an excursion that circles the Piney Woods along the scenic Big Cypress Bayou. This train is pet-friendly for well-behaved, friendly pets.
The Historic Jefferson Railway is open each Saturday with narrated day trains and their infamous evening Ghost Train and offers free ghost stories at the depot before the Ghost Train.
On the narrated day trains, you’ll view a Confederate Powder Magazine from the Civil War era and traverse the site of one of the oldest towns in Texas. As you roll through the Piney Woods, hear the history of Jefferson and the story of the remains of many sites from the 1880’s still visible along the track.
Or climb aboard the legendary Ghost Train. The Ghost Train carries you deep into the dark woods along the Bayou. The storyteller shares legends of Jefferson and East Texas ghosts. Historic Jefferson Railway was nominated as one of the Best Excursion Railroad Theme Trains for its Ghost Train by the readers of Cowcatcher magazine for 2009 and 2012.
The antique train is a restored gas-powered Plymouth Locomotive built in 1964. The beautiful enclosed coach offers a warmer experience while the open-canopied observation cars provide an excellent view of the ride along the river.
Union Pacific recently recognized 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. Bring the RV or tent camp at the Diamond Don & Cypress Bayou RV Park, just one mile from downtown Jefferson. Sites available along the Big Cypress Bayou.
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.
So, are the sightings real or a spoof to enhance your rider experience? You’ll have to ride the train to find out!
The Railway is a part of the thriving community of Jefferson sponsoring major events throughout the year. Visitors look forward all year to Route 49 Biker Rally in March, Diamond Don’s Riverport National Vintage Motocross in April, The Great Locomotive Chase & Civil War Living History and Jefferson Train Days in May, Jefferson Salutes the Cowboy in July, Runaway Fright Train in October and the Rail of Lights Christmas and New Year’s train in November and December. .
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.
Historic Jefferson Railway is located at 400 E. Austin in Downtown Jefferson, Texas. For information on pricing, schedule and events, please visitJeffersonRailway.com<http:
Winter Schedule Runs Every Saturday through February 23, 2013
Depot opens at noon
2:30 and 4:30 Narrated Day Tours
6:00 Free Ghost Stories in the warm depot
7:00 Ghost Train
Spring Schedule Runs Every Saturday March 2, 2013 through May 25, 2013
Depot opens at noon
2:30 and 4:30 Narrated Day Tours
7:00 Free Ghost Stories in the depot
8:00 Ghost Train
Summer Schedule Runs Every Weekend June 1, 2013 through August 31, 2013
Depot opens at noon
2:30 and 4:30 Narrated Day Tours
8:00 Free Ghost Stories in the depot
9:00 Ghost Train
Enclosed Coach
Adults $15; Children under 12, $10
Lap Children are free
Open Air Coach
Adults $12; Children under 12, $8
Lap Children are free
Active Military & Senior 65+
receive 10% discount.
All Fares, plus tax.
(Schedule and pricing may be adjusted for special events)
March 22-24, 2013
Route 49 Biker Rally
April 18-21, 2013
Diamond Don’s National Vintage Motocross
May 3-5, 2013
The Great Locomotive Chase and Civil War Living History
May 18-19, 2013
Jefferson Train Days
July 27, 2013
Jefferson Salutes National Day of the Cowboy
Weekends in October
Runaway Fright Train & Halloween Festival
Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve
Rail of Lights Christmas and New Year’s Trains