Tyler, Texas, had been a railroad hub since the Houston and Great Northern first came through the town in 1873.

The passenger service ceased in April 1956 and it has been used for different purposes until it was donated to the City of Tyler in 1988.

In 2003, following a major renovation the space was shared by the Tyler Transit Department and the museum.

[3] The museum is run by the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society Tyler Tap Chapter, which was part of the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society before breaking off to form a separate organization.

[4] The model train collection of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Bragg is the bulk of the hands-on exhibit.