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Minneapolis Saint Paul Rochester & Dubuque Electric Traction Company Depot facts for kids
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Minneapolis St. Paul Rochester & Dubuque Electric Traction Company Depot
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The Orchard Gardens Depot from the northwest
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Burnsville, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1910 |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001222 |
| Added to NRHP | December 31, 1979 |
The Minneapolis Saint Paul Rochester & Dubuque Electric Traction Company Depot, also known as the Orchard Gardens Railway Station, is a historic train station in Burnsville, Minnesota. It was built in 1910 and is located at County Road 5 and 155th Street. This station was an important stop on the Dan Patch Line, which later became the Minneapolis, Northfield and Southern Railway. It helped connect farmers in Dakota County with cities like Minneapolis and Northfield.
What is the Orchard Gardens Depot?
The Orchard Gardens Depot was a small but busy train station. It was built in 1910 when the area called Orchard Gardens in Burnsville was being developed. The station's main job was to serve passengers living in this new community. It helped people travel and transport goods.
The Dan Patch Line
The railway line that served the depot was first known as the Dan Patch Line. It was named after a famous racehorse owned by its founder, M.W. Savage. This railway was special because it used electricity to power its trains, which was quite modern for its time. The line connected Northfield to Minneapolis, making it easier to move people and products.
Life at the Depot
In the early days, the Orchard Gardens area was mostly farmland. Farmers grew many things, including onions, apples, and flowers. They also produced eggs and milk. The depot was very important for these farmers. They used the trains to send their fresh produce to markets in the city.
However, things changed during the Great Depression. Many local people found it hard to make a living on their farms. They started looking for jobs in Minneapolis. Because of this, the Orchard Gardens Depot became more of a station for people traveling to work. It helped commuters get to their jobs in the city every day.
Why is it Special?
The Orchard Gardens Railway Station is a significant part of Minnesota's history. It shows how railways helped communities grow and change. Because of its historical importance, the depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 31, 1979. This means it is recognized as a special building that should be preserved.