The Six Flags Railroad is the only ride from the park’s inaugural 1961 season still operating, making it the oldest continuously-operated ride in the park. Although the Six Flags Railroad opened with the park, the trains themselves date back much further (see the history below). The railroad not only provides a relaxing, scenic way to get to the opposite side of the park, but also supplies guests with views of the park not accessible from other rides or walkways.
It’s also possible to get an idea of how much the park has expanded over the years, simply by looking at the railroad’s track. When the park opened in ’61, the train completely encompassed the boundaries of the park (with plenty of room to spare). Since then, the park has expanded considerably past the railroad’s boundaries, meaning that every area past a train crossing wasn’t part of the original park.
The red engine, the Charles Jefferson Patton was named after “Charlie” Patton who worked as an engineer from 1961 to 1982. That engine was originally named the Mirabeau B Lamar. The green train’s name has reverted back to the General Sam Houston.