Rail ties are loaded at a treatment cylinder in Somerville, Texas. The plant was owned by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. Once treated the ties would installed at locations across the country.
After the U.S. Civil War railroads expanded rapidly in Kansas. Traveling through the state on train was one of the safest and fastest ways to cross the country. Over a hundred years later railroads still frequently roll across the plains. For more information please visit: https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/railroads-in-kansas/15120