This route was first graded by the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railway in 1861. At that time, the BBB&C, the first railroad in Texas, and second one west of the Mississippi River, had just completed their first 80 miles between Harrisburg (today a suburb of Houston) and Alleyton, starting in 1850. Their intent was to build to La Grange, and ultimately Austin. However, the onset of the Civil War put their plans on hold.

Some years after the war, in 1870, the BBB&C was renamed to the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railroad. This new name designated a new terminus for the railroad in lieu of Austin: San Antonio. Construction west from Alleyton (via Columbus) to reach San Antonio started in 1873, finally reaching San Antonio in 1877. This line is still in use by Southern Pacific predecessor Union Pacific as their famed Sunset Route.

However, our original grade here north out of Alleyton toward La Grange was not soon forgotten. Grading and construction resumed on this route in 1880, reaching La Grange that same year. The GH&SA called this particular line their La Grange Tap Spur.

Time and reason for the abandonment of this line are currently not known.