Centerville station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
CB&Q Passenger Depot
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location in Iowa Show map of Iowa Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	1124 S. 18th St. Centerville, Iowa
Area	less than one acre
Built	1911-1912
Built by	B.S. Staley
Architect	CB&Q Railroad
Architectural style	Prairie School Late 19th and Early 20th Century American Movements
MPS	Centerville MPS
NRHP reference No.	03000833
Added to NRHP	August 28, 2003

The Centerville station is an old train station located in Centerville, Iowa, United States. Today, it is known as the Appanoose County Post 526 VFW Hall. This historic building was once a busy stop for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q). It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

The Centerville Train Station's History

The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) was a major railway company. In 1903, the CB&Q bought another railroad called the Keokuk & Western Railroad. Centerville became an important "dividing point" on this railway line. This meant it was a place where train routes might split or where crews would change.

By 1910, the people of Centerville wanted a bigger and better train station. The exact person who designed the station is not known. However, it was likely designed by an architect working for the CB&Q. They probably used standard plans that the railroad often used for its buildings.

Building the Station

Construction of the new station began in July 1911. It was finished in February of the next year, 1912. The building was built in the Prairie School style of architecture. This style is known for its strong horizontal lines and connection to the flat landscape. A local builder named B.S. Staley was in charge of the construction.

The CB&Q railroad used this building as a passenger depot for many years. It served as a train station until 1982.

A New Purpose: The VFW Hall

After the railroad stopped using the building, it found a new purpose. In 1990, the building was bought by the Appanoose County VFW post. The VFW is an organization for military veterans who have served in wars, conflicts, and expeditions overseas. They use the old station building as their meeting hall.

In 2003, the building was recognized for its historical importance. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the CB&Q Passenger Depot. This listing helps protect historic places in the United States.