Eureka Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Depot facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Eureka Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Depot
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location in Kansas Show map of Kansas Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	416 E. 5th Street Eureka, Kansas
Built	1917
Architect	E. A. Harrison
Architectural style	Prairie Style
NRHP reference No.	12001119
Added to NRHP	January 2, 2013

The Eureka Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Depot is a historic building found at 416 East 5th Street in Eureka, Kansas. This old train station was an important stop on the Howard Branch of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. It was built in 1917 to replace an older station from 1879.

The depot cost about $20,000 to build. Its construction was part of a big building boom in the area. This boom happened because oil was discovered in nearby Butler and Greenwood counties.

A Look at the Depot's History

The Eureka Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Depot played a key role in the town's past. It served as a busy hub for people and goods traveling by train.

Why the Depot Was Built

The original train station in Eureka was built in 1879. As the town grew, especially with the oil boom, a bigger and more modern station was needed. The new depot, completed in 1917, was designed to handle more passengers and freight.

The Oil Boom Connection

The discovery of oil in Butler and Greenwood counties brought many new people and businesses to the region. This led to a need for better transportation. The new, larger depot helped support this growth. It made it easier for people and supplies to move in and out of Eureka.

End of Passenger Service

Train travel changed over time. By the mid-1950s, fewer people were using trains for passenger service on the Howard Branch. Because of this, passenger service at the Eureka depot stopped. The entire depot eventually closed its doors in 1971.

Architectural Style of the Depot

The Eureka Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Depot was designed in the Prairie Style. This architectural style was popular in the early 20th century.

What is Prairie Style Architecture?

Prairie Style buildings often have strong horizontal lines. They usually have low-pitched roofs and wide, overhanging eaves. The design aims to blend in with the flat landscape, like the prairies of the Midwest. The architect for this depot was E. A. Harrison.

Becoming a Historic Place

On January 2, 2013, the Eureka Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.

Why is it on the Register?

Being on the National Register helps protect the building. It shows that the depot is a significant part of American history. It reminds us of the importance of railroads in connecting communities and supporting economic growth.