Angelina and Neches River Railroad Celebrates 125 Years of Service

Community members gathered on March 12, 2024, at the Angelina and Neches River Railroad’s offices in Lufkin, Texas, to celebrate the railroad’s significant milestone of 125 years of service. The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce organized a special “red carpet salute” to honor the railroad’s long-standing impact on the region.

During the event, Chamber diplomat Cynthia Bluethman welcomed attendees and commented on the beautiful weather that accompanied the celebration. The program featured several notable presentations, including a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, presented to railroad president David Perkins by Melinda Kartye from the office of Congressman Pete Sessions. Kartye delivered a proclamation in honor of the railroad’s anniversary and expressed Sessions’ regrets for not being able to attend due to commitments in Washington, D.C.

In addition, Linda Parker from State Representative Trent Ashby’s office presented Perkins with a Texas flag that had been flown over the state capitol. The celebration also included a letter from Senator John Cornyn, which was read by Tanya Dora, the executive director of the Texas Forest Country Partnership. The letter recognized the railroad’s historical significance and contributions to the local economy.

Perkins expressed gratitude to the crowd and acknowledged the presence of various elected officials. He emphasized the importance of the railroad’s shareholders in its success, stating, “We wouldn’t be standing here without our shareholders.” He reflected on the railroad’s legacy as the last remnant of a family-owned business empire and noted that while rail travel may not be the fastest mode of transportation, it remains the most cost-effective.

The president took a moment to thank current and former employees for their dedication to the railroad. He credited the founding visionaries, including Simon Henderson, Joseph Kurth, and brothers Eli and Sam Wiener, for their foresight in promoting economic growth through the rail industry.

Perkins concluded the event by expressing optimism for the future, saying, “We are proud to partner with local businesses, major corporations, and Union Pacific today. I look forward to many more years of service on the tracks ahead.” The celebration served not only as a tribute to the railroad’s past but also as a reaffirmation of its ongoing commitment to the community and economic development in the region.