Sanford's Old Depot has Renewed Purpose
Ah….the early days of railroading in America. For small towns, it meant growth—with train depots as the town’s activity center. But as transportation modes changed, depot use declined. Now, nearly 150 years later, one old depot has a renewed purpose.
Sanford, North Carolina wanted to preserve their heritage so they decided to circle back to the town’s beginning—the railroad. That meant repurposing the old depot.
But not only has the depot come to life again, so has the Railroad House, locomotive, and surrounding land. All four components are now known as “Depot Park.”
Let’s take a look at both history and current use of the Park’s components.
Atlantic & Western Railway 1911 steam locomotive No. 12.
Depot Park
106 Charlotte Avenue
Sanford, NC 27330
Contact:
(919) 718-4659
Fees:
Park - No fee
Website:
DowntownSanford.com
Railroad House:
106 Charlotte Avenue
Sanford, NC 27330
Contact:
(919) 776-7479
Hours:
1 PM - 4 PM, Sat-Sun
Website:
RailroadHouse.org
The 1910 train depot is center of Sanford's "Depot Park."
The Old Depot
Built in 1872 as the Union Passenger Depot, the one-story wood structure served railroad lines on each side of the building. In 1910, the brick depot with a ceramic tile roof replaced the original building.
Today, the old depot serves as Sanford’s visitor services center. It sits in the middle of the park, once again, central to the town’s activities.
Corbels support the hip roof overhang.
Sanford's oldest building was the depot agent's home. It now serves as a museum.
The Railroad House
The oldest building constructed in Sanford is the “Railroad House.” Built in 1872, it served as home for the first depot agent and his family. Nearly 100-years later, a group of interested citizens saved the building from demolition and moved it to the current location.
The Railroad House now serves as a museum housing an impressive collection. Displayed are photos, documents, artifacts and other historic items important to the area’s history.
Engine No. 12, built in 1911, now rests in Sanfords Depot Park.
Close-up of the amazing iron work on this historic locomotive.
The Locomotive
On display at the Park is an old steam locomotive. Built in 1911, the engine weighs 74 tons. Working different railroad lines over the years, its active life with Norfolk Southern ended in 1947.
Acquired by the Atlantic & Western Railway, Company, they renumbered the steamer now known as “No. 12.” The steamer worked between Sanford and Lillington until 1950. It officially retired in 1955, replaced by diesel engines.
The A & W Railway donated No. 12 to Sanford in 1966, arriving by piggyback on a flatbed truck. After sandblasting and repainting by the City of Sanford, the train permanently rests in its fenced location for the public to view.
Benches, sidewalks, and grassy areas added to the grounds surrounding the old dept.
The Park
While all three components—the Old Depot, the Railroad House, and Locomotive No. 12—were adjacent one another, it took a plan to pull it all together. The City and Downtown Sanford joined their combined vision in 1997 and created “Depot Park.”
Sidewalks, lighting, a bandstand with lawn seating, and an interactive water fountain draw residents in for relaxation, playing, and learning. The Park also hosts city events here such as the Christmas tree and train lighting each December.
Railroad lines came first, then the town.
Historic Railroad Town Honors its Roots
Now more than 150-years after the first railroad lines were laid, Sanford has returned to its roots. The old depot has been renewed and once again serves as the center of this small historic towns activity hub.
Sign on the historic brick depot.
About Sanford, North Carolina
Not even a town in the beginning, Sanford started as a railroad crossing—literally—where two separate lines crossed in the middle of the state in 1871.
Landowners next to the rail lines seized the opportunity. They laid out a town around the railroad and auctioned off lots.
Soon after, the new town became known as “Sanford,” in honor of Charles O. Sanford. He was the engineer responsible for railroad construction through the county. Incorporation followed on February 11, 1874.
Sanford sits 45 miles SW of the state capital, Raleigh. Serving as the county seat, Sanford’s population exceeds 30,000.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
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Tom and Jeanette, really enjoyed the photography. Your travels must be a lot of fun and interesting as well. Stay safe.
Jim Brand
Thank you Jim. We have visited and photographed many amazing places around this wonderful country of ours. Take care!
Great article love the history, and there is art in Depot park.
Thank you. I love the art there, especially by the train. Thanks for the reminder. I might find a place to add a mention in the blog post.