Hello, passengers! You’ve just arrived at the Union Pacific Depot! When American author Mark Twain travelled west in the 1860s, he wrote, “...perhaps not more than ten men in America, all told, expected to live to see a railroad follow that route to the Pacific…I can scarcely comprehend the new state of things…” Less than two decades later there was train service in Sterling, and in 1903 the city celebrated the establishment of the Union Pacific Depot. Climb aboard and take a train through time to learn more about this historic place! [train whistle]

In the late 1800s, settlers in Sterling experienced financial struggles due to severe winter weather and livestock disputes. Luckily, the introduction of sugar beets and improved irrigation methods in the early 1900s spurred population growth and architectural development in Sterling, and in 1902 construction on the Union Pacific Depot began.

The depot opened a year later and included a ticket office, lobby, and waiting rooms for guests that featured “cozy rocking chairs” and writing or reading tables. While in use, it was visited by the likes of Theodore Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover, amongst many other passengers.

In 1984 the Union Pacific Depot was purchased by the community of Sterling, moved to the railroad yard, and restored. It is now home to the Logan County Chamber of Commerce office. Stop in to check out this beautiful Depot, say hello, and imagine bumping into Theodore Roosevelt or Herbert Hoover while arriving to the community of Sterling…