Views along the Orange Belt Railroad.  Shown here is Engine #7 stopped just outside San Antonio in the Big Cypress Swamp.  In March 1893, after foreclosure, the Orange Belt Railroad Company was sold to J.N. Stripling and E.P. Axtell, who recognized it as the Sanford- St. Pete Railroad on January 1, 1895.  The Plant System bought the railroad effective April 1, 1895 and expressed a great interest in converting the railroad quickly.  Not only did Plant acquire the former Orange Belt railroad lines but he also acquired all of the former company's equipment such as Engine #7 pictured above.  Notice the long line of passengers who have stepped off the train to pose for the camera.  This photo was taken sometime in 1893 just after the Orange Belt Company foreclosed and the railroad was in transition to the new owners.  (NOTE: Click on the image for a higher resolution and quality image) (From private collection)