Santa Susana Depot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Santa Susana Depot |
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View from the southwest
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Stick/Eastlake |
| Location | 6503 Katherine Road, Simi Valley, California |
| Coordinates | 34°15′39″N 118°39′40″W / 34.2607°N 118.6611°W |
| Completed | 1903 |
| Owner | Rancho Simi Parks and Recreation Department |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Southern Pacific Railroad |
The Santa Susana Depot is an old train station building. It is located near the Santa Susana Pass in Simi Valley, California. This historic depot first opened its doors in 1903. It was originally found on Los Angeles Avenue at Tapo Street.
The station got its name from the Santa Susana Mountains. These mountains are at the eastern end of the Simi Valley. Interestingly, the railroad used two different spellings for "Susana" on the depot signs! One sign said "Susanna" and the other said "Susana."
A year after the depot opened, the Santa Susana Tunnel was completed. This tunnel made train travel much faster. It shortened the distance between Montalvo and Burbank. This was part of the important Coast Route. This route connected big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The depot building was designed by the Southern Pacific Railroad. It was a standard design called "Two Story Combination Depot No. 22." This building was very important for the Rancho Simi community. It served as a place for passengers to catch trains. It was also a telegraph office for sending messages. Farmers used it as a freight depot. They could ship their crops from here. They also picked up new farming equipment delivered by the railroad.
In the early 1970s, fewer people were riding trains. Also, freight was being shipped differently. Because of this, Southern Pacific closed the Santa Susana Depot. The building was left empty and was almost torn down. Luckily, the County of Ventura bought the depot from the railroad for just $1.06.
In May 1975, the building was carefully cut into three parts. It was then moved by truck to a new location. This new spot was two miles east of where it was first built. In January 1976, the County of Ventura officially named the building Landmark #29. This means it is a special historic place.
Today, the main Simi Valley station is about one mile east of the old depot's first spot. This modern station is used by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink's Ventura County Line trains.
What the Depot is Like Now
The Santa Susana Depot is now next to the same railroad tracks it once served. After it was moved, the building was empty for several years. It was damaged by vandalism and even a fire caused by arson.
A nonprofit group was created to help. Their goal was to fix up the building. They wanted to make it ready for people to visit. They worked with the Rancho Simi Parks and Recreation Department.
The Railroad Museum
The museum inside the depot opened to the public in 2000. The depot building now has a fun railroad museum. It also features an HO scale model railroad layout. There is also a room for public meetings.
The museum teaches visitors about the history of railroads in the area. It has many old items and historic photos on display. Besides trains, the museum also has things related to the nearby Corriganville Movie Ranch.
The Model Train Layout
The model railroad layout shows the coast route. This route goes between Los Angeles, California, and Portland, Oregon. The scenery on the model layout looks like the early 1950s. The Santa Susana Railroad Historical Society designed, takes care of, and runs this amazing layout.
Both the museum and the model train layout are open on Saturdays and Sundays. You can visit them from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed on holidays.
More to Explore
- Santa Susana, California
- Saticoy Southern Pacific Railroad Depot - another similar historic building in Ventura County
- Ventura County Historic Landmarks & Points of Interest
