This Historic Railroad Freight Station was Destroyed by Arson 3/2024

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The Southern Pacific Railroad Yard, on which this depot stood, was built in 1877 and was the first in Arizona. The yard was used to stockpile building materials for use across Arizona. It played an important role in the construction and opening of the Southern Pacific railroad route across the United States. The Freight Depot itself was the earliest remaining in the state. The Depot was built in 1891 and was the last remaining structure from the rail yard.

The structure was a simple wood-frame building with an 8 bay loading dock. It measured 100' x 60'. An office was added to the northwest side in 1917.

In the 1980s, the Yuma County Live Steamers had plans to rehabilitate the building for use as a museum, but apparently that never occurred.

The depot was in operation up until the 1950s. For a long time the building was abandoned, but it was later donated to the city of Yuma in 2006.

On March 27^th, 2024, an arsonist burned both the depot and a nearby vacant house, the depot was a total loss. The arsonist was caught. The remains of the depot were demolished on August 6^th, 2024.

Suspected arson fire destroys historical freight depot in Yuma
Yuma's historic train depot demolished months after suspected arson

Looking North from Main St (1986)

Side view (1986)

Loading Dock (1986)

Rafter Detail (1986)

Looking north, loading dock (1986)

East side, loading dock (1986)

Roof and wall detail (1986)

Looking south, loading dock (1986)

Roof Detail (1986)

East side loading dock (1986)

South End (1986)