Ballinger, Runnels County
Morgan Jones (1840-1926), a Welsh-born railroad builder, and his nephews Morgan C. (1876-1964) and Percy Jones (1885-1951) built the Abilene and Southern Rail Line in 1909 between Abilene and Ballinger. This stone structure was finished soon after the first train arrived, Sept. 9, 1909. The design, with octagonal twin towers, was unusual for depots of that era. The railroad did a flourishing passenger and freight business. Passenger service ended in 1941 and freight service in 1966. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1978