National Register Listing

Sterling City Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railway Passenger Depot

415 Stadium Ave., Sterling City, TX
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2020.
  A brief timeline of the history of Santa Fe Railway

  • 1859: The Atchison and Topeka Railroad Company is founded in Kansas, with the goal of connecting the towns of Atchison and Topeka.

  • 1863: The Atchison and Topeka Railroad reaches Santa Fe, New Mexico, completing its initial transcontinental route.

  • 1880: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company is formed through a merger with the Southern Kansas Railway Company.

  • 1883: The Santa Fe Railway completes its second transcontinental line, reaching Los Angeles, California. This expansion enables the railway to connect the Midwest and Southwest to the Pacific Coast.

  • 1893: The California Limited, a luxury passenger train, begins service on the Santa Fe Railway, offering a high standard of travel for affluent passengers.

  • 1901: The Grand Canyon Railway, a subsidiary of the Santa Fe Railway, is established to provide transportation to the Grand Canyon National Park.

  • 1926: The Santa Fe Railway introduces the Super Chief, a luxurious all-Pullman sleeping car train that becomes known as the "Train of the Stars" due to its popularity among Hollywood celebrities.

  • 1934: The Santa Fe Railway launches the Chief, another premier passenger train, offering a more affordable option than the Super Chief but still maintaining a high level of service.

  • 1948: The Santa Fe Railway introduces the El Capitan, a streamliner passenger train that becomes famous for its distinctive "Warbonnet" red and silver paint scheme.

  • 1967: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway changes its official name to the Santa Fe Railway.

  • 1995: The Santa Fe Railway merges with the Burlington Northern Railroad, forming the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNSF). This merger creates one of the largest railroad systems in the United States.

  • 1996: The Santa Fe Railway is officially absorbed into the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF), marking the end of the Santa Fe Railway as an independent entity.

Today, the Santa Fe Railway's legacy lives on through the continued operation of many of its routes by BNSF, as well as its historical significance in the development of the American West and its iconic role in passenger train travel.

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.

architecture transportation
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
Texas random facts
Sterling County is located in central Texas, and its history dates back to the mid-1800s. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Apache. The county was officially established in 1891, and it was named after W.S. Sterling, a prominent early settler in the region.

Like many other areas in Texas, Sterling County experienced a boom in population and economic development during the late 1800s due to the discovery of oil. The Texas & Pacific Railway line passing through the county further contributed to its growth, as it allowed for easier transportation of people and goods. Oil drilling and production became a major industry in Sterling County, attracting many workers and bringing prosperity to the area.

However, in the early 20th century, the oil boom began to decline, and the county faced economic challenges. Agriculture, particularly ranching, became the primary source of livelihood for the residents. The vast grasslands of Sterling County provided ample grazing opportunities, and cattle ranching became a key industry.

In recent years, Sterling County has embraced its rich natural resources and attracted tourists to enjoy its scenic landscapes and outdoor activities. Hunting, fishing, and camping are popular recreational activities in the county, drawing visitors from both within and outside Texas. The county continues to maintain its rural character, offering a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Sterling County, Texas.

  • 1885 - Sterling County established and named after W.S. Sterling, a buffalo hunter and early settler.
  • 1890 - First post office opened in the county.
  • 1895 - Sterling City, the county seat, founded.
  • 1899 - First school established in the county.
  • 1900 - Population of the county reaches 1,000.
  • 1916 - Sterling City incorporated.
  • 1924 - First oil well drilled in the county, leading to an oil boom.
  • 1930s - Great Depression hits the county hard, but oil production helps the local economy.
  • 1950s - Population of the county peaks at around 3,000.
  • 1970s - Oil production declines, affecting the local economy.
  • 1995 - Sterling City celebrates its centennial.
  • 2000s - County experiences a decline in population due to economic changes.
  • Present - Sterling County continues to rely on agriculture and oil production as important industries.