Kirkwood Missouri Pacific Depot - Kirkwood, Missouri
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 38° 34.865 W 090° 24.404
15S E 725890 N 4273479
This historic train depot is the symbol for Kirkwood, Missouri.
Waymark Code: WMZEB
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 11/22/2006
Views: 21
"In 1852, land where the current station is located (Argonne Avenue and Kirkwood Road) was obtained from Owen Collins by the Pacific Railroad for a right of way. The track for the Pacific Railroad to Kirkwood was completed in 1853. The first train arrived May 11, 1853, for an auction sale of lots, making Kirkwood the first planned suburb west of the Mississippi. The town was named for the chief engineer for the railroad, James Pugh Kirkwood.
In 1863, a frame depot was built. Here members of the first school board met to draft the charter of the Kirkwood School District, which was granted in 1865. In 1893, Douglas Donovan was hired to construct the current stone station to replace the wooden station. The current station remains today as an outstanding example of Richardsonian architecture.
Commuter trains ran to and from Kirkwood until 1961. A train turn-table was located near the present Farmer’s Market for the engines to be turned for the return trip to St. Louis and for the helper engines, which were used to help freight trains manage the “Kirkwood Hill,” prior to the arrival of diesel engines." ~ City of Kirkwood website.
The depot continues to serve as an active train depot services four Amtrak trains a day. Amtrak no longer mans the station with an agent, however each train is met by volunteers from the community.
Street address:
W. Argonne Dr. at Kirkwood Rd
Kirkwood, Missouri
County / Borough / Parish: St. Louis County
Year listed: 1985
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Periods of significance: 1875-1899
Historic function: Transportation
Current function: Transportation
Privately owned?: yes
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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