Cedar City Railroad Depot facts for kids
The Cedar City Railroad Depot was once a very important train station in Cedar City, Utah. Built in 1923, this building played a huge role in helping Cedar City grow. It helped transport important goods like iron ore (a metal used to make steel) and livestock (farm animals).
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The Cedar City Railroad Depot
Building a Hub for Growth
The Cedar City Railroad Depot was built by a big train company called the Union Pacific Railroad. When it opened in 1923, it quickly became a busy place. Trains coming and going helped the local industries. Farmers could send their livestock to other places, and valuable iron ore could be shipped out for use. This made Cedar City an important center for trade and business.
All Aboard for Tourism!
The Union Pacific Railroad didn't just build the depot. They also helped bring many visitors to southern Utah! They bought hotels, provided buses, and built special lodges for tourists. This made it easier and more fun for people to visit the beautiful national parks nearby. The train depot was the main gateway for these tourists, helping the tourism industry in the area really take off.
The End of an Era
For many years, the train depot was a bustling place. But as time went on, more and more people started traveling by car. Cars became popular, and people didn't rely on trains as much for travel. Because of this change, the Cedar City Railroad Depot closed its doors in 1959.
Today, the old depot is still standing. It's a special reminder of how important trains were for Cedar City's growth. As of 2017, the building is used for local businesses, with different shops inside.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its important history, the Cedar City Railroad Depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This means it's recognized as a significant building that tells a story about the past. It's the only building left that truly shows how much tourism and train travel shaped Cedar City in the early 1900s.
