Former Passenger Train Station in Sioux Falls SD
Rock Island Depot, Sioux Falls South Dakota
Constructed in 1885, the Rock Island Station represents the beginnings and the end of the railroad passenger services in the city of Sioux Falls. It served the area until it was vacated in June 1970.
In February 1886, the city residents voted to issue bonds aiding the attempt to bring the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railroad Company into the community. On October 26th, 1886, the road was completed that day, citizens witnessed the arrival of the first train. The following afternoon, the first passenger train arrived, to spark what would be over 80 years in passenger services.
This transportation link served to aid Sioux Falls' growth. By 1890, Sioux Falls was the leading commercial center in South Dakota. The station is more than a symbol of the city's growth, it represents a system having a great impact on the state's social and economic development.
During the late 1800s, the railroad network spread throughout the state. With its spread, it brought the population to foster boom towns and developed that state's commercial avenues. The railroads supplied convenient transportation for farm market goods. At the same time, the hauling rate differences for short and long-range distances aggravated those farmers seeking a profit in the marketplace. In response to what seemed unfair rates, the Farmers' Alliance developed, attacking the rate system in railroads. Later on, the Populist Party used this grievance as a rallying point for developing a platform. Thus, the railroads served as an agent for economic and political development peculiar to the geographical and economic bases of plains states, South Dakota in particular.
The station has been altered for use as a restaurant.
Building Description
The Rock Island Depot's design generally remains true to Romanesque styling. Its ashlar and wooden construction exhibits Richardsonian treatment of those materials in the stepped gable, hipped roof, and octagonal turret, that are its most distinguishing features.
Visually, the building is divided into two distinct structures, the office and agent's quarters to the west, and the passenger waiting room to the east. Of these, the office section is the most complex. The western wall rises two stories to a stepped gable bearing a large decorated molding. The first-floor windows are segmental, while the second-floor openings are semi-circular. Both groups are arranged in a series of three, with radiating voussoirs. This is the only ashlar wall reaching the roof in this section. The first floor walls are composed of an indigenous blush-pink quartzite used extensively during the period. Simple lintels and sills are used on the north and south walls; a large bay employs wooden columns and mullions to separate each window. Doorways feature sandstone surrounds.
The upper story is covered with wooden shingles. Windows here have very simple wooden-trimmed openings, even on the extended bay. A single chimney graces the roof.
The eastern portion or passenger area is an ashlar square covered by a hipped roof. Small windows, high above the sidewalk peer out beneath an extended eve encircling the entire depot structure.
The feature adjoining the two sections, an enclosed causeway, contains the simple decorative characteristics of the western wing, but includes a yawning horseshoe arch to the street; a tall chimney rises above it.
The interior is unaltered. The walls are covered with three-foot wainscoting, floors are of wooden planks; woodwork is utilitarian.
