Standing proudly at 400 East 10th Street in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the Stillwater Santa Fe Depot is a historic gem that transports visitors back to the early 20th century. This charming depot, which served as a bustling hub for the Santa Fe Railroad from 1900 until 1958, now stands as a testament to the town's rich history and its enduring spirit of community and innovation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the depot has been beautifully preserved and repurposed, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past while serving a vibrant new role in the present.
The story of the Stillwater Santa Fe Depot begins with the Land Rush of 1889, a pivotal event that transformed Stillwater into a thriving community virtually overnight. On April 22, 1889, settlers flocked to the area, eager to stake their claims in the newly opened Unassigned Lands. Stillwater was designated as the county seat of Payne County on the very day of the rush, marking the beginning of its journey as a key player in Oklahoma's development.
However, Stillwater's early days were marked by a significant challenge: the nearest railroad track was at least 20 miles away. Recognizing the critical importance of rail transportation for the town's survival and growth, a group of determined residents launched a campaign to bring the railroad to Stillwater. Their efforts paid off in March 1900 when the Eastern Oklahoma Railway Company, a subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company, extended its line into the town. The arrival of the railroad was a game-changer, cementing Stillwater's status as a vital hub for both freight and passenger traffic.
The Stillwater Santa Fe Depot is a charming blend of architectural styles, reflecting the evolution of the building over time. The oldest section, dating back to 1900, is a modest 20-foot by 75-foot frame structure that originally served as both a freight office and passenger depot. Its exterior, covered with horizontal wood panels, features a distinctive bay window with three glass panes, adding a touch of elegance to the functional design. The roof, adorned with three gables, wooden shingles, and two brick chimneys, completes the quaint look of this early building.
In 1915, the depot underwent a significant expansion with the addition of a new 100-foot by 20-foot building. This new structure, with its red brick exterior, masonry, and wood trim, brought a sense of grandeur to the depot. The north end of the building was left open, creating an inviting open-air waiting room for passengers. The gable roof, covered with green-glazed terra cotta shingles, and the extended eaves added to the building's architectural charm. Concurrently, the original 1900 building was modified, with the bay window replaced by a double door and the ticket window and door covered with siding, seamlessly blending the old with the new.
For decades, the Stillwater Santa Fe Depot was a bustling hub of activity, with freight and passenger traffic peaking between 1915 and the end of World War II. However, the post-war era brought significant changes to transportation, with automobiles and road transport gradually eclipsing the railroads. By 1953, passenger service to Stillwater had ceased, and by 1958, the depot closed its doors as freight operations also came to an end.
But the story of the Stillwater Santa Fe Depot did not end there. In 1991, a group of dedicated Stillwater residents, led by Leon Wood, stepped in to save the historic building from being auctioned off. Through their tireless efforts and a temporary loan from BancFirst, they secured the depot and soon found a perfect new purpose for it. The national headquarters for Kappa Kappa Psi fraternity and Tau Beta Sigma sorority, both national band organizations, were in search of a new home, and the depot proved to be an ideal fit. With minor internal remodeling, the depot was transformed into a vibrant office space, ensuring its preservation and continued relevance.
Today, the Stillwater Santa Fe Depot stands as a proud symbol of the town's heritage and resilience. Visitors to the depot can marvel at its well-preserved architecture, which offers a tangible connection to the past. The red brick exterior, green-glazed terra cotta shingles, and charming open-air waiting room evoke a sense of nostalgia, while the depot's adaptive reuse as the headquarters for Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma showcases the community's commitment to preserving its history while embracing new opportunities.
As you explore the depot, take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of Stillwater, from its early days as a land rush settlement to its growth into a thriving town with a rich railroad history. The depot is not just a building; it is a testament to the power of community, the importance of transportation, and the enduring legacy of those who fought to bring the railroad to Stillwater.
In conclusion, the Stillwater Santa Fe Depot is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone interested in the fascinating story of this vibrant Oklahoma town. Its walls echo with the stories of the past, offering a unique window into a bygone era while standing as a proud symbol of Stillwater's enduring spirit and innovation.
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