National Register Listing

Colorado Southern Railroad Depot

a.k.a. Old Missouri Pacific Railroad Depot

N. Ave. G and E. Front St., Crowley, LA
The Colorado Southern Railroad Depot is significant in the areas of architecture and transportation. The depot is architecturally significant as a good representative example of a Mission Revival railroad station. It represents an early 20th-century fashion for building depots in the Mission Revival style, which was prevalent among railroad companies oriented towards the southwest.

In addition, the California Mission style did not see significant flowering in Louisiana until the 1920s. Because the Colorado Southern depot was built in 1907, it stands as an extremely early example of the style for the state and, indeed, for the region.

The depot's significance in the area of transportation rests upon its status as the town's foremost reflection of the railroad, which was an important mode of transportation in the area throughout most of the twentieth century. The depot was built in 1907, the same year as the completion of the Eunice to Crowley railroad as part of the Colorado Southern, New Orleans, and Pacific line. Later in 1907, the line became part of the Frisco Railroad.

The building was designed by C. H. Page, an architect from Austin, Texas. The contractor was W. C. Whitney of Beaumont, and the cost of construction was about $15,000.

The railroad was important for both passenger and freight service. "During heavy rice years, you would have two-engine trains with sometimes 200 cars filled with rice waiting to leave," recalled Dorsey Peckham, a longtime railroad employee. In the 1930s, the building ceased to be used as a passenger depot, and it was leased to American Legion Post No. 15 for $1 per year until 1945. For a number of years, it served as the local American Legion Home. In 1978, the depot was purchased by the present owners, who plan to restore it and use it as a showroom.
Local significance of the building:
Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

railroads
Hurricane Katrina, which struck Louisiana in 2005, was one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in U.S. history. The storm caused widespread destruction in New Orleans and other parts of the state, and its aftermath highlighted issues of poverty, race, and government response in the United States.
Louisiana random facts
Acadia Parish, Louisiana has a rich history that dates back to its settlement by French explorers in the 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Attakapas and Coushatta Native American tribes. However, it was not until the establishment of Fort St. Jean Baptiste in present-day Natchitoches in 1714 that French influence began to shape the region.

In 1755, the Acadians, French-speaking settlers from Canada, were expelled by the British from Acadia (present-day Nova Scotia) in what is known as the Great Expulsion or Grand Dérangement. Many of these exiled Acadians, commonly known as Cajuns, found refuge in South Louisiana, including Acadia Parish. They brought with them their vibrant culture, language, and traditions, which have greatly influenced the region ever since.

The area that is now Acadia Parish was originally part of St. Landry Parish and was formed as an independent parish in 1886. The city of Crowley, founded in 1887, became the parish seat. The town was named after Pat Crowley, an Irish-American who played a pivotal role in the development of the area by creating the Louisiana Western Railroad, which contributed to the growth and prosperity of the region.

Throughout its history, Acadia Parish has been primarily agrarian, with cotton and rice as the main crops. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 20th century brought economic diversification and led to the emergence of new industries. Today, Acadia Parish is known for its thriving agriculture, oil and gas production, as well as its popular Cajun and Creole cuisine, music, and festivals, making it a vibrant and culturally significant part of Louisiana's history.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Acadia Parish, Louisiana.

  • Pre-18th century: The area that would become Acadia Parish was home to Native American tribes, including the Attakapas and Opelousas tribes.
  • Mid-18th century: French settlers begin arriving in the area, establishing small farms and communities.
  • 1763: The Treaty of Paris ends the French and Indian War, with France ceding the territory to Spain.
  • 1803: The Louisiana Purchase occurs, transferring the area from Spanish control to the United States.
  • Early 19th century: Settlers from various backgrounds, including Acadians, Germans, and Anglo-Americans, continue to migrate to the area.
  • 1843: The region becomes part of St. Landry Parish.
  • 1886: Acadia Parish is established as a separate parish by the Louisiana Legislature, with Crowley chosen as the parish seat.
  • Early 20th century: The region experiences growth and development, with the economy centered around agriculture, particularly rice and sugarcane cultivation.
  • 1927: The Great Mississippi Flood devastates the area, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
  • 20th century onward: Acadia Parish continues to develop, diversifying its economy and maintaining its agricultural roots.