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Veterans Memorial Railroad is a passenger railroad system located in Bristol, Florida. The railroad was founded in 2001 when a group of local people, interested in both railroading and community service, banded together to install a passenger train at Veterans Memorial Park in Bristol. The Liberty County Board of Commissioners gave their permission to use a large area of the park for the Railroad. Designed and operated by Thomas Alphonse Keenan, the Veterans Memorial Park hosts thousands to Liberty County each year.

History

Most of 2002 was spent in finding and restoring a 1950’s National Amusement Device “24” gauge “Century Flyer” train set. It was recovered in derelict condition from a St. Augustine amusement park.

In late 2002, construction of the track was started, made possible by generous support from the staff of Liberty Correctional Institution. Inmate labor crews, joined by experienced railroad men, had the first 2700 feet of track completed in three months. Construction could not have commenced without help from the Liberty County Road Department, which hauled in 65 trucks of fill dirt and the extremely generous donation of 300 cubic yards of crushed stone for the ballast by C. W. Roberts Construction Company of Hosford.

Two containers donated by Smurfit-Stone Company were joined to make a secure tunnel and storage facility for the train and supplies. The tunnel is named in memory of Max Cooke, an ardent supporter of the railroad, who single-handedly restored the locomotive.

The railroad opened for runs in December 2002. There was no public money used in building or operating the initial railroad. Funding came from club activities such as rummage sales, railroad tie sales, cook-outs and memorabilia sales, as well as loans from club members.

The electrical supply in the track area proved inadequate for our high usage during the Halloween and Christmas events. In 2005, we completed a major system expansion in the east loop. In 2006, capacity was expanded in the west loop nearest the depot.

In 2007, the County received a Federal Highway Enhancement Fund Grant to expand the Railroad. During 2007—2009, the train track was expanded 3500 feet and a 3400 sq. ft. depot/Museum was constructed.

Other work included a 400 foot trestle through a wetland area, a maintenance building, an additional tunnel-storage building, purchase of a full-size caboose for display; construction of a one-mile paved walking trail with night lighting. Also included in this major enhancement project was a large playground, the installation of a gazebo-bandstand for public events, renovated restroom facilities, extensive landscaping throughout the  park and last, but not least, acquisition of  a 2 ft gauge Crown live steam locomotive. The Veterans Memorial Railroad Golden Spike Ceremony was held May 9, 2009.