Santa Clara Depot
historic place
The Santa Clara Depot is a historic place in Santa Clara, California. It was constructed in 1863 by the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad Company. This depot is the oldest continuously operating railroad depot in California. Passenger service to San Francisco began in January 1864. The depot was originally located on the east side of the tracks. In 1877, it was moved to its present west side location and connected to an existing freight house. The freight house was enlarged in 1877 due to the volume of agricultural shipments. The depot became a focal point for the area's farming and fruit industries. Caltrans acquired the depot in 1980. The South Bay Historical Railroad Society began renovation in 1986, with volunteers restoring the structure. The depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Today, it functions as a passenger station and houses the Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History. This site highlights the role of rail in Santa Clara's historical growth.