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Lytle, Devine & Pearsall

These three towns were all created by the arrival of the railroad. Although San Antonio had been in existence since around 1730, the area between it and Laredo was essentially undeveloped until the International & Great Northern came along. These are the first three towns you reach after you leave San Antonio. There are some other minor settlements as well. Because of the water and fuel needs of early steam locomotives, railroads had to have a stopping place every fifteen miles along the route. Beyond these towns, the same story continues, in places like Dilley and Encinal. (The Encinal depot is now located in Boerne, Texas.)

LYTLE

Lytle was created in 1881 when the railroad was built from San Antonio to Laredo by the International & Great Northern. Land for the depot and the right of way for the tracks was granted by John Lytle, who had been ranching in the area since the 1860s. The post office used his name in 1882. Due to an error, the depot was built some two miles north of the where the tracks were built and it had to be moved to Mr. Lytle's place and an original deed revoked on the other person's property.

Lytle is approximately twenty five miles south west of San Antonio and is the first town you reach by rail on the way to Laredo. It is in the northwest tip o Atascosa County. For many years, Lytle had the only railroad depot in the county. Today it has a population of around 2,400 people in 811 households. The railroad still goes right through town, though it no longer stops. The stock yards, once located beside the depot have also been moved away from the town's center.

Sometime after 1910, the depot was relocated to the other side of the tracks. It was also reconfigured to accommodate more freight at the expense of passenger space. Even by this early time, passenger business was dwindling. The last steam train to run was the "Sunshine Special," train No. 22. Engine No. 1160 had the honor. It was on November 22 in 1951. In 1960, all passenger and freight service to the town of Lytle ceased and the depot was sold at public auction.

A local man bought it for $125.00. It then cost him $1,700.00 to move it five miles. It was so big it had to be cut in two to be moved. The new owner never rejoined the two halves. Its new role was that of an open barn. He stored hay in the passenger area and allowed animals to take shelter in the now open ended freight room. In 2003, a mini tornado destroyed the freight half but left the passenger section, just a few feet away, standing. The amazing thing is that the remaining section is in such good condition, bearing in mind it has been totally neglected for many years.

DEVINE

Devine was also established in 1881 with the arrival of the International & Great Northern. It was named after a fascinating individual, Judge Thomas Devine. He was born in Nova Scotia and ended up in San Antonio where he married, raised a family and is buried. He had a truly remarkable life. After he resigned from the Texas Supreme Court to look after his sick wife, he returned to private law practice. It was at this time he must have provided some great service to the railroad. This was during the rise of soon to be Governor James Hogg. Also, the railroad was enmeshed in a very contentious battle of state compensation for the miles it had already constructed. It should be noted there is no evidence that Judge Devine ever visited the town.

Devine is thirty five miles southwest of San Antonio, in Medina County. It has, today, a population of some 4,140. It has its own school district. Second to the arrival of the railroad in importance to the city's development was radically improved irrigation, which occurred in 1915. This really allowed the naturally good soil to reach its full potential. Vegetables, corn and small grains replaced cotton as the predominant crops. It is also a noted center for peanut production.

In the 1920s, natural gas and oil was found in the area, further propelling the town's growth. The railroad was vital in the development and shipment of all these valuable products. The town boasted not only a good sized passenger depot but a freight depot of some significance as well. As local demand for rail services declined, these were sold off by the railroad. The center of the town moved away from College Street when the Texas Department of Transportation widened HWY 173 and businesses moved to the new main thoroughfare.

The depot was purchased by a local developer who decided to use it in one of the most unique ways you may ever see. It was cut in two and each part was placed at the far ends of an 'L' shaped shopping development. The adjoining buildings are of different heights and widths, but they all were made to resemble outwardly the design of the depot. It is really well done, in its own way. Neither of the depot's original ends kept any of their interior fittings. These buildings were very well built and were sold off at amazingly low prices. This utilization is quite a pleasant way to build something based on the character of the railroad which is only a block or so away from the depot's new location.

PEARSALL

Pearsall is located in Frio County, fifty-five miles southwest of San Antonio. It became the county seat in 1882. The previous county seat was Frio City, a few miles away. When the railroad came through most Frio City residents moved to be near the new depot. Over time Frio City became Frio town and today essentially it no longer exists. Its old court house still stands as do the ruins of its jail which once hosted the notorious James brothers, Jesse and Frank. Frio county was formed in 1870. Its recorded population was only 309 people, which had grown to 2,130 prior to the arrival of the International & Great Northern. Near to Frio city was a large well, used not only by locals but also by the many ox and mule pulled wagon trains. the railroad neatly circumvented rules against land ownership and acquired it in 1881. The resulting new town was given the name of a railroad vice-president, Thomas Pearsall. Over time, agriculture was steadily improved, and the area was also blessed with oil and natural gas. Pearsall now has a population of around 7,800.

Pearsall depot was sold around 1970. It was relocated just outside Devine and is now is use as a private residence. It is still very obviously a depot. A search is underway for pictures of the depot in its original location.

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