Leander was established in 1882 on land sold by the Austin and Northwestern Railroad Co.. The town was named in honor of Leander “Catfish” Brown, one of the railroad officials responsible for the completion of the line. The railroad established Leander, and today it is the only stop outside the city of Austin on the Capital Metro rail. To commemorate and honor both our past and future, the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center is proud to introduce the Leander Trail of Trains.
What is the Trail of Trains?
The Trail of Trains is a project to bring artfully designed concrete trains to Leander, Texas. “The concrete trains are trademarked and will only be available through the Chamber. They are a unique and beautiful way to celebrate the heritage of our community! Our goal is to have a custom train in every corner of the community,” according to Bridget Brandt, Leander Chamber of Commerce President.
Train #1- Starry Texas Nights
The first train in the Leander Trail of Trains resides at the Leander Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center, 100 N. Brushy | Leander TX. This train is the original cast and features the Texas State Capitol, longhorns, and of course the beautiful starry skies over Texas. The train was painted by Jennifer Jones and mosaics were applied by Stan Holcomb.
Train #2- The Golden Tracks
The Golden Track train resides at A+ Federal Credit Union, 11255 Hero Way West | Leander TX. This train blends concepts that intertwine our community and our financial institution. The beautiful Texas bluebonnets represent Texas’ state flower; while the gold tracks pay tribute to Leander’s Gold Depository. The coins and dollar bills throughout the train are symbols of our industry. Our youth savings club mascot, “AJ” the green apple, provides a friendly wave as you view our train. This train was painted by Rebecca Edwards.
Train #3- Arrive in Style
“Arrive in Style” the whimsical train that captures all the beauty of Smooth Village. From the fun box of bobby-pins to the big glittery lips on top, this train says join us for a day of beauty! You can visit this special train at 203 W Broade St. | Leander TX 78641 ,Smooth Hair & Wax Studio where full service hair and waxing services ensure you to arrive in style wherever you go. Special thanks to artist Rebecca Edwards for lending her artistic talent!
Train #4- Let’s Get to Work
Let’s get to work, Leander! At Cashway Building Materials, we have the inventory, experience, and can-do attitude to help you get that home improvement job done. Cashway has set right along the train tracks since 1984. They are a local, family-owned hardware store and lumber yard. Whether you’re working on a weekend DIY project or embarking on a big renovation, they’ll make sure you get in, out, and on your way to success. All Aboard! Special thanks to artist Jennifer Jones! 100 E South St. | Leander, TX 78641
Train #5– Health Express
The largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas, and one of the largest in the United States, Baylor Scott & White Health was born from the 2013 combination of Baylor Health Care System and Scott & White Healthcare.
Known for exceptional patient care for more than a century, the two organizations serve adjacent regions of Texas and operate on a foundation of complementary values and similar missions. You can see this train at the Leander clinic 1007 S, US-183 | Leander, TX 78641. This train was painted by the BSWH team.
Train #6- Texas Roots, Leander Proud
HEB Plus is the premier grocery store in Leander, but they have everything you need from a cooler with your favorite sports team to a new smoker. You can visit this train painted by artist Jennifer Jones at 651 N US-183 | Leander, TX 78641.
Train #7-Heroes Welcome
Texas Humane Heroes is a 41-year-old non-profit organization, proud to call Leander home. We medically care for, heal, and adopt out animals in need to loving homes. Texas Humane Heroes also provides low-cost vaccinations, spay/neuters, and animal health services at accessible rates. Our train rests under our 200-year-old oak trees at the front entrance of our Adoption Center. Staff member, and cat care specialist, Samantha Vaters, painted the train with our motto: Be a Hero, Adopt! 10930 E Crystal Falls Pkwy | Leander, Texas 78641
Train #8-Bledsoe Park
This train was donated to the City by Cashway Leander. The train is dedicated to all of the wonderful programs that make Leander Parks and Rec amazing. The train was painted by Jennifer Jones and mosaics were applied by Amanda Gifford.
Special Thanks to our Founding Engineers:
Mr. Aaron Cotton, T. Smith Inspection and Testing
St. David’s Emergency Center Leander
Cool Atmosphere AC
Tex-Mix Concrete
ACDI
Capital Metro
Chasco
J.L. Powers & Associates
Own a Concrete Train
The concrete train project was created by the Leander Leadership Class of 2017 to bring Leander together as a community. Anyone can buy a concrete train, regardless of whether you’re a Chamber member, a business or individual, a local, or live a few miles away.
Each 680lb. train costs $600, which includes applicable taxes and delivery by Cashway Building Materials or the City of Leander, as long as you’re located within a select delivery area. The trains will be delivered on a concrete track which serves as the pad. All trains must include an art plan prior to delivery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (512) 259-1907. Order forms are now available at the Chamber office located at 100 N. Brushy.