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Rock Island Railroad Depot

106 E Poplar, Sayre, OK
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This depot replaced the original station which opened in 1901 about a mile west of town. In 1914 the railroad announced it was going to build a new depot in town, nothing happened and it 1917 when another big push by residents was made to get a new depot within the city limits. Then WWI came along and again nothing happened. In 1927 finally plans were made for the new depot and in January 1928 the first train pulled into the new depot.

Starting in the 1930s railroad traffic declined as travelers and freight increasingly used the highways. In 1972 the railroad gave the station to the City in Sayre after it ended its passenger service.

Around 1989 a local historical society was established that took over the depot. In April 1992 the Shortgrass Country Museum formally opened in the building which coincided with the centennial celebration of the 1892 land for for the Cheyenne-Arapaho lands.

The depot was placed on the NRHP in 2000.

I don't know the story about this buffalo in front of the museum, but here he is.

To get to the depot turn east on Poplar Street just before the tracks.

Photo(s): 2019