The oldest Classic American locomotive (1857) in the West is the feature exhibit. After being listed as a National Treasure, El Paso & Southwestern RR Locomotive No.1 was restored in 2003-4. Others exhibits cover the Transcontinental Railroad system through the Southwest.

El Paso was one of the largest rail hubs of the west in the 1880s (8 railroads in 1902). Three historic stations exist in addition to the Union Station (National Register), near the Museum. Other exhibits include: use of railroads during times of war, including the Mexican Revolution; the story of historic street railways from mulecars to streamlined electric PCC cars; and the role railroad workers.