Flanagin Town as a railway station did not exist when the Caparo Valley line opened to traffic in 1898. It came much later, and its story is a very interesting one which is largely forgotten now. The town was named after a warden, Clifton Flanagin, who had been stationed in the area since 1899. In 1900, he transferred to a small settlement between Brasso Pierda and Tabaquite. Clifton’s efforts to establish a railway station came to fruition in 1903 when the railway authorities not only agreed to build the station but named it “Flanagin Town” in acknowledgment.

The current occupants of the Railway Station building are descendants of the last TGR Station Master. Today they continue his legacy by keeping the building in a very satisfactory condition.

In 1914 the railway was extended another 12 miles 71.55 chains from Tabaquite to Rio Claro and then became known as the “Rio Claro Line”.

The railway operated for 67 years through the station at Caparo until it was closed, along with the rest of the line to Rio Claro, on 30 August 1965.

Today the site of Flanagin Railway Station is relatively well preserved as compared to other railway stations in Trinidad. There still exists evidence of the station platform and sections of the old railway station and station master’s Quarters (Originally known as the Collector’s Quarters).

Contributed by Mr Glen Beadon

Address:

Town/City: Flanagin Town

Region: Couva – Tabaquite – Talparo

Site Type: Cultural Heritage

Ownership:

Public Accessibility:

Cultural Community:

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