From the Orange Blossom Special to High-Speed Rail: Train Travel in Tampa Bay

Orange Blossom Special, ca. 1930s
Tampa Bay History Center Collection

The Tampa Bay History Center's latest exhibition, From the Orange Blossom Special to High Speed Rail: Train Travel in Tampa Bay, opens today, Friday, October 8 at 10:00 a.m.

This exhibition focuses on the history of trains and rail travel in Tampa Bay and Florida, including the development in the 1800s of various rail lines throughout the state, the influence of Henry Plant and Tampa’s streetcar system. The exhibition will also touch on current rail usages, developments and initiatives.

From the Orange Blossom Special to High Speed Rail will be on exhibit through December 31st in the History Center’s Third Floor Gallery and is included with regular gallery admission. For more information, contact the Tampa Bay History Center at 228-0097 or online.

Check out these great images from the exhibit:

Tampa's Union Station, ca. 1920- Courtesy of Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

Hauling timber, ca. 1920s. Courtesy of Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

Seaboard Air Line, ca. 1950s. Courtesy of Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library