July 2007 Issue

A great deal has been written about the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads and their joint creation of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869. Less has been written about the second transcontinental line which crosses through southwest Texas.

Langtry came into existence in 1882 when the Southern Pacific Railroad laid tracks into town during the soon to be complete southern transcontinental rail line. Langtry was a railroad town in the West Texas ranch country named for George Langtry, a Southern Pacific building engineer. Depots and sidings were often named for the railroad men. Online Exclusive!

In the year 1881 the Southern Pacific Railroad Company had committed to build America's second transcontinental railroad and the country's first year-round, all-weather route. That route was surveyed through a part of Texas now in Val Verde County. Online Exclusive!

Railroaders in Del Rio have filled a critical, if poorly understood social and economic niche throughout the history of Del Rio and Val Verde County. As transportation regulations tighten, passenger demand declines, and over-the-road truck transportation flourishes, railroads look to improved public understanding and awareness of an often arcane, even secretive industry that played a pivotal role in creating the Del Rio that blossomed into a growing border city. Here, two railroaders – one a retired brakeman, the other a respected conductor and union negotiator – reflect on their careers.

To any industry of the historic longevity, and personal as well as community impact seen in the railroad companies that have flourished in more than 120 years of Del Rio’s history, there are costs and benefits that profoundly affect all concerned. The economic impacts are measured in taxes paid, generous payrolls and Union Pacific philanthropy, while personal influences are felt on families who wait patiently for the safe return of their members on trains for long hours, often missing major high and low points in a family history.

The Dewey catalog number is 385. That's all you need to know to find many of the 164 library materials on railroads in the library. But be sure to use our Athena online catalog to do a subject search for "railroad" or "train" or "ßlocomotive" to find items that do not have the magic 385 number. Online Exclusive!

Val Verde County 4-H Rifle Team members teamed up to end a 33-year drought.
The senior team of Holly Humphreys, Juan Lopez, Corie Clark and Richard Hernandez outscored Harris County to take top honors at the Texas 4-H State Indoor Rifle match.

Mysterious fliers in night skies, hiding in caves by day, bats are among the most misunderstood and unappreciated mammals. Naturalist Craig Hensley takes a close look at the huge populations of bats in south and central Texas, and shares the photos, knowledge and appreciation he and his wife, Nyta, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department biologist, have acquired.

LIVE! Magazine is now an award-winning publication in West Texas. The Texas Community Newspaper Association (TCNA) announced the winners in June. LIVE! entered the 2006 awards competition when the publication was only six months old. LIVE! placed in three categories: Best Original Ad Series, Best Feature Story, and Best Original Black and White Ad.

The Del Rio Rotary Club’s second annual Independence Day Rodeo kicks off July 6, with a final event the following night. Interest and audience participation last year exceeded expectations, and rodeo fans are encouraged to get their tickets in advance. Details are here.