Construction of the International and Great Northern Railroad through the town of Mink (former name of Magnolia) was started in 1901. At that time, Mink started the move from its original location (about one mile west) to the present location. At the same time, sixteen-year-old William Julius Gayle, later a long time agent and telegrapher, began working as a laborer laying track for the I&GN Railroad. Isaac Lee "Cap" Miner, his uncle, was the extra gang foreman and later became section foreman.

Warranty deeds were made to the Smith Land and Improvement Company from R. T. Smith and wife, T. J. Goodson and wife, and M. D. Heflin and wife "for and in consideration of one dollar, paid by the Smith Land and Improvement Company, and in consideration of the enhanced value to be given our land by the location and construction of a station building, or depot, by the International and Great Northern Railroad Company at a point on its line between Stations 1158 and 1192 of its survey through Montgomery, County, Texas." The deeds were dated August 25, 1902, and the station was built that year. Later, the railroad that came through Magnolia was the Missouri Pacific.

Depot agents from 1907:

1907	W. Rogers	1912-1941	William Julius Gayle
1908	Fred Gayle	1941-1951	Owen S. Smith
1909	Guy Hellum	1952-1957	Richard Johnson
1910	Drue W. Norman	1957-1963	W. P. Carol
1911-1912	Mr. Montgomery

Unfortunately, we do not have information on the earlier agents.

The Missouri Pacific water tower was built in 1925, where the depot is presently located, and served the community well until it was demolished in 1990.