Old Santa Fe Tower 19 at Dallas, Texas

Tower 19 is one of a handful of survivors from a different era, having controlled the movement of trains in South Dallas since June 1903. As a result of recent DART light rail construction and modern technology, the tower now sits vacant and in jeopardy of being vandalized or demolished at its present site.

Our museum has broad support from several organizations to save this historic structure from an uncertain fate. Tower 19 is a natural addition to our collection, having actually controlled the movement of several trains in our exhibit. In addition to being a local landmark, the tower is one of the oldest surviving structures in South Dallas.

After considerable research and structural analysis, we have determined movement of the tower to Fair Park is feasible and within our capabilities. Despite its 25 foot height, Tower 19 can be moved in one piece. This is significant in that its structural integrity and appearance will not be compromised by the relocation. This requires very specialized moving equipment and experts which comprises the greatest cost of the project. However, the cost of restoration is greatly reduced by not having to separate and reassemble the structure.

We are very excited about creating a new exhibit at the Age of Steam Railroad Museum. The Dallas Park and Recreation Board has allocated additional space for our museum to exhibit Tower 19 at Fair Park. The Landmark Commission has approved the structure as an appropriate addition to the park with the concurrence of the Historic Preservation Section of the City Planning Department. Preservation Dallas, a local preservation group, has also endorsed the plan. Interestingly, the tower will be exhibited on the original site of the 1936 Centennial Exhibition's Transportation Exhibit - as is most of our museum. Fair Park, already on the National Register of Historic Places, can only benefit from the addition of Tower 19.

Due to light rail transit way construction, we must move the tower off of DART property as soon as possible. Our museum will be responsible for all aspects of moving and restoring Tower 19 including obtaining permits and site preparation.

We should have no problem completing the exterior restoration and making the interior acceptable for public viewing by this year's State Fail of Texas. A complete restoration of the 1924 vintage interlocking machine should be complete by mid-1997. The building will be a permanent, year-round exhibit open to the public and will serve as a hands-on, interpretive display for visitors and school field trip groups. This will include an operating scale model of the Tower 19 interlocking district. Some local retired tower operators have offered to volunteer as docents and tour guides. By the very nature of its construction the tower will provide an excellent view of our museum from the second floor.

The Age of Steam Railroad Museum is owned and operated by the Southwest Railroad Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation formed in 1961. The museum is dedicated the preservation of railway artifacts and archival material far interpretive display to the public. The collection also serves as an educational resource to the community and railroad industry. Membership in the SRHS is open to all persons who share an interest in railroads and may wish to support the Age of Steam Railroad Museum.

We look forward to preserving a precious piece of our past that will enhance the experience for visitors of all ages to Fair Park

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Roof of Tower 19 as seen from cab of DART Rail train,
before removal to Fairpark. Photo by C. Martin

Tower 19 as seen from the cab of a DART Rail train,
below and to right of new Trinity River Bridge,
before the tower's removal to Fairpark. Photo by C. Martin