This branch was originally built and operated by the Texas and New Orleans Railroad which merged into Southern Pacific in 1962. Most of the branch between San Antonio and Stockdale was abandoned in the late 1950s or early 1960s as Loop 410 was being built over the right of way at the time. The rest of the branch between Cuero and Stockdale was abandoned in the early 1970s.

A short section of the far western part of the branch in San Antonio remains in use as an industrial spur for several businesses.