Prison crews made up the train crew, except for the engineer. When a passenger service was extended to Palestine, a full-time staff of nine was employed. In 1913, the prison ceased operating the iron furnace and later, the East Texas State Penitentiary was converted into a state mental hospital. The Texas Southeastern Railroad leased the line in the early 1960's and continued operation of the line until December 31, 1969. Reminiscent of its earliest days, state inmates were again brought in to refurbish the railroad.
Crowds gather as departure time nears at the depot.
The Texas State Railroad is a historic, as well as an educational, site. The Center for East Texas Studies has posted three VR panoramas of the Texas State Railroad's depot in Rusk, Texas.