NCO Railway Depot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Nevada—California—Oregon Railway Depot
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Building in January 2014
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 304 N East St Alturas, California |
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| Built | 1908 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000357 |
| Added to NRHP | February 28, 1985 |
The Nevada—California—Oregon Railway Co. Depot, often called the N.C.O. Depot, is a special old building in Alturas, California. It's even listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it's so important! This depot was built in 1908. It used to be the main place where people would catch trains in Alturas. Today, a group called the Alturas Garden Club takes care of it.
Contents
The Depot's Amazing Journey
Starting the Railroad
Back in 1880, a company called the Nevada and Oregon Railroad started. It was later sold in 1884. Its new name became the Nevada–California–Oregon Railway, or N.C.O. for short.
Trains Arrive in Alturas
On December 1, 1908, the N.C.O. began regular train service to Alturas. The depot was first built near the train tracks. It was located at Twelfth and Oak Streets.
Moving the Depot
In 1915, something amazing happened! The N.C.O. depot was carefully taken apart. Each stone was moved, piece by piece. It was rebuilt in its current spot. This move brought it closer to the main part of Alturas.
New Owners and Changes
In 1926, a bigger company bought the N.C.O. It was called the Southern Pacific Transportation Company. They changed the train tracks to a "standard gauge." This meant the tracks were made wider.
End of Passenger Service
Train service for passengers in Alturas stopped on January 1, 1938. After that, the depot was used for railroad workers to live in. In 1962, the Alturas Garden Club took over the depot. They have been its caretakers ever since.
Cool Features of the Depot
Building Materials
The depot was built using strong stone blocks. These stones came from a local quarry nearby. The longest side of the building faces the train tracks.
Inside the Depot
The side of the building facing the tracks is the eastern side. It has a special section in the middle. This was for the train operator. To the north, there was a room for baggage. To the south, there was a waiting room for passengers.
Its Unique Look
The depot still looks much like it did when it was a train station. It was built in a style called late Queen Anne. This style was popular in the eastern United States. So, it looks a bit different from other old train stations in California.
