Of Trains, Troops and Trails

This weekend my meandering around McAllen took me to 100 S. Bicentennial where I actually found a three-fer.
The first was the Old Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. (One Block south of Bus. 83 on Bicentennial, between Austin & Beaumont).
This graceful building reflects a Spanish Colonial style, with stucco finish in a mottled pink / salmon color. The front facade is accented with ornately carved white arched doorways, and two medallions flanking a rose window. There are ornate downspouts and additional wrought iron accents as well as the traditional red tile roof. The Depot opened for service in August 1927, and served as a passenger terminal until 1952. From 1953-1985 it was occupied by a number of public agencies, including the police department, jail and municipal court. It was restored by a group of attorneys who now use it for their law office.
In 1986, the building was recognized by the Texas Historical Commission. The Marker next to the front door reads: The San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railroad laid track south to the Rio Grande valley and McAllen in 1927. This passenger depot, designed by railroad architect Leonard B. McCoy, opened in August that year. The structural tile building is stuccoed and detailed in Spanish colonial revival style. Passenger service ceased in 1952, and the building was occupied from 1953 to 1958 by public agencies, including the city police, jail, and municipal court. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 1986.

My second find was right in front of the Depot. In the boulevard on Bicentennial, is a small inconspicuous park. The center point of the park is a fountain with an obelisk with 4 carved white doves “flying” from each side of the obelisk. There are a couple of stone benches for sitting and relaxing. There are also 2 markers. The first is the Texas Historical Commission Marker commemorating the Campsite of the Fighting 69th,
Marker Text: Famed New York Infantry Regiment. Encamped in McAllen during 1916-1917 bandit trouble, guarding border and preventing the smuggling of arms across the Rio Grande to Pancho Villa. Tour of duty here seasoned the men for rigors of World War I, wherein regiment won undying glory in France. 1970

Located right beneath the historical marker, is a concrete marker capped in bronze that reads:
McAllen War Memorial
Honoring all McAllen War-dead
We gave… because they gave
Sponsored by
Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign War, Catholic War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of WW I, Los Compadres, GI Forum. Presented to the City of McAllen, 1979.

My final find was the Hiking and Biking Trail. I walked probably 3 or 4 blocks south and then turned around and went back. The trees provided just enough shade and the wind that was blowing made my stroll tolerable. At one point, in the distance, I could hear the carillon of a church. I checked out the benches along the trail and they were fairly comfortable and there were only a few pieces of trash that had missed the receptacles.

Who would have thought that one address in downtown McAllen would play host to trains, troops and trails.