While the popular image of the non-Indian settlement of the American west seems to emphasize wagon trains, in reality the American west was integrated into the American economy and populated by the expansion of railroads following the Civil War. As the five transcontinental railroads spread west, towns blossomed and prospered along the rail lines. For many towns and cities between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean, the railway station and railway offices were an important sign of connectivity with the United States.
With regard to the importance of railroad depots, particularly for rural communities, one of the displays in the Drummond Depot at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula reports:
“Depots were built as close as possible to the center of town and became hubs for the community. Usually surrounded by freight services for the railroad, such as grain elevators, mills and lumber yards, it was also important to include amenities for passenger trains such as hotels, cafes, groceries and housing. The depot quickly became a symbol of the community, a place to come together around the pot-bellied stove, greet new arrivals, and say goodbye to friends and family.”
Some depots included public waiting rooms, baggage and freight storage areas, housing for the agent, and, of course, the agent’s office. According to the display:
“The depot agent also had one of the most important jobs in the town: he would run the telegraph and relay important messages beyond just routine railroad business.”
Many museums have displays showing railway offices and railway stations. A few of these are shown below.
Union Station, Tacoma, Washington
In 1911, 48 trains per day came through Union Station in Tacoma, Washington. Union Station was own by Northern Pacific Railway and also used by Great Northern and Union Pacific. When the station closed in 1984, only six trains came through the station each day. The Union Station building was designed by Reed and Stern in 1909. Today, Union Station is the entrance to a federal courthouse and its lobby has a display of glass art by Dale Chihuly.
The Drummond Depot, Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, Missoula, Montana
Northern Pacific Depot Museum, Wallace, Idaho
Wenatchee Valley Museum, Wenatchee, Washington
White River Valley Museum, Auburn, Washington
Miracle of America Museum, Polson, Montana
The Railway Express Agency (REA) operated as a national package delivery service from 1917 to 1975. The REA was formed to ensure the rapid and safe movement of parcels, money, and goods during World War I.
Shown below is the Railway Express Office in the Miracle of America Museum.
Heritage Station Museum, Pendleton, Oregon
According to the Museum display:
“Not only did the railroad allow for travel to and from this area, but goods produced here were sent out from Pendleton: wool, wheat and cattle, to name a few.
Trains also carried passengers and their baggage; U.S. mail; dairy product, such as milk and cream (in cans); coal and stove wood.”
Museums 201
This series compares similar exhibits from several museums. More from this series:
Museums 201: The blacksmith shop (photo diary)
Museums 201: Gas stations and garages (photo diary)
Museums 201: Model railroad dioramas (photo diary)
Museums 201: Schools (photo diary)
Museums 201: Antique farming equipment (photo diary)
Museums 201: Pianos and organs (photo diary)
Museums 201: Washing machines (photo diary)
Museums 201: Quilts (photo diary)