MKT Depot Museum

02/04/2026

Doug Harrop Collection •

October 31, 1976

A Missouri-Kansas-Texas freight train leaves behind its namesake city, on the outskirts of Katy, Texas. The tracks were constructed here in 1895, and the former town of Cane Island was renamed "Katy" to honor the new railroad, helping settle the community in a remote area 30 miles west of Houston. Mr. Harrop collected a series of four Kodachrome slides of this same train, all captured near Katy. This was the last in a series, as MKT 221 approaches Katy Fort Bend Road east of town. On the left is Interstate 10, a six lane freeway that replaced US Hwy. 90. Union Pacific merged with the MKT in 1988 and by 1998, the Texas Department of Transportation purchased the UP right of way from Katy Ford Bend Road to Houston. Nearly 30 miles of main track were dismantled in order to develop the property and widen parallel I-10. This location is the "end of the line" today. Industrial parks and other businesses populate green space now. The overpass is gone. Union Pacific local freights continue to serve Katy from the west end of the former M-K-T main line.

Katy Heritage Society Katy Railroad Park The Dryer

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Doug Harrop Collection • October 31, 1976 A Missouri-Kansas-Texas freight train leaves behind its namesake city, on the outskirts of Katy, Texas. The tracks were constructed here in 1895, and the former town of Cane Island was renamed "Katy" to honor the new railroad, helping settle the community ...

01/29/2026

We LOVE seeing our historical homes, Depot and historic town square being featured!!

Even a little trivia!

Looking for weekend plans? Join Goodtaste with Tanji as she explores Old Town Katy’s best bites - Harvest Kitchen & Bakery, Humble Grounds Coffeehouse and Southern Dough Baking Company. We got a preview today in studio B! Pro tip - don't skip out on dessert! 😋

SEE TANJI ON HOUSTON LIFE: https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2026/01/29/get-a-taste-of-old-town-katy-with-tanji-patton-of-goodtaste-tv/atl homedarv

12/05/2025

On the early morning of February 2nd 2025 a loaded cemex Train derailed while shoving back into the plant. The 2nd picture shows the rest of the train tied down in Old katy

📸 Travis Burtram

08/29/2025

The MKT red caboose is more than just a piece of Katy’s past, it’s a picture-perfect reminder of our railroad roots!🚂✨ Catch it at sunset, and you’ll see why it’s one of our favorite spots in town.

Visit Katy for the history and stay for:
• Epic photo ops! 😍
• Delicious eats & drinks! 😋
• Plenty to do for the whole family! 👨‍👩‍👦

📍🚂 Find it at the MKT Railroad Depot!
5615 1st St, Katy, TX 77493

08/04/2025

🚂 August 1870, Texas officially approved the charter for the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad—known to many simply as the M-K-T or Katy. This railroad was the first to enter Texas from the north and played a huge role in the development of communities across the state.

The Katy rolled into Texas near Denison in 1872 and expanded through major cities like Dallas, Waco, Houston, and San Antonio—also connecting vital ports like Galveston. It even passed through smaller towns like Katy, Texas (originally Cane Island), helping to shape their future.

The railroad connected markets, moved cotton and cattle, enabled passenger travel, and spurred economic growth across the region. At its peak, the Katy operated over 600 miles of track in Texas.

Though its independent operations ended in 1989 when it merged into Union Pacific, the legacy of the Katy Railroad lives on in the communities it helped build.

Katy Heritage Society

📜 Source: The Portal to Texas History

06/10/2025

🚂 We’re proud to announce that the MKT Depot Museum has been awarded 2nd Place for Best Museum in the 2025 Best of Katy awards! 🏅

Thank you to the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce and the Katy Times for hosting this incredible program—and for remembering the importance of nonprofits and businesses of all sizes in our growing community. Your support keeps our history alive.

"The railroad helped build Katy, and now we help keep its story on track." 🛤️

Step into our town’s past at the historic MKT Depot Museum, where the roots of Katy’s railroad heritage come to life.

📅 We’re open Thursday through Sunday -Admission is always FREE.

05/19/2025

Hey Katy, it’s our time to shine! 🎉

TONIGHT at 7PM, catch the full episode of The Daytripper featuring some of our town’s favorite spots. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this! 📺✨
🛤️ Explore local history at the MKT Depot Museum and Johnny Nelson Katy Heritage Museum
🍤 Get messy (in the best way) at Yummy Seafood and Oyster Bar
🍻 Sip local at No Label Brewing Co.
🍽️ Taste culture at Pan Pa Venezuela and Astor's Table
🚜 And let the kids play big at Dig World
Chet took a deep dive into what makes Katy Katy, from rich heritage to bold flavors and family fun. 💛
📍 Tune in at 7PM TONIGHT on The Daytripper! www.youtube.com/

05/15/2025

New Episode Alert - KATY, TX!🤠📺 - https://mailchi.mp/thedaytripper/daytripper-newsletter-the-heat-is-on-3135638

05/12/2025

05/11/2025

May 10 is National Train Day commemorating the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad! This photo, taken by Andrew Russell on May 10, 1869, shows General Dodge, chief engineer for Union Pacific, shaking hands on the right, with Central Pacific chief engineer Simon Montague on the left.

05/10/2025

Step back in time and discover the heart of Katy at the MKT Railroad Depot Museum!

Once the center of our historic railroad town, the Depot is a proud symbol of Katy’s roots and resilience. Featured in Southern Living, the MKT Museum invites you to explore vintage railcars, learn about our city’s railroad past, and enjoy a piece of living history right here in the heart of town. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a meaningful local experience, the Depot is a must-see!

Come visit and see why Katy’s story begins on the tracks.

https://www.southernliving.com/katy-tx-11723813?

Located just west of Houston, Katy, Texas, has quickly grown from a small railroad town into a thriving suburb known for being family-friendly and community-driven, with attractions such as many public parks and local eateries.

05/10/2025

All aboard for National Train Day!

Today we’re celebrating Katy’s rich railroad heritage that helped shape our community into what it is today. Did you know our city was named after the M-K-T (Missouri-Kansas-Texas) Railroad—affectionately called “the Katy”?

From the historic Depot to the spirit of connection and progress, trains are part of our story.

Stop by the Katy Heritage Society’s Depot Museum to learn more and snap a photo with the vintage caboose!



Katy Heritage Society