Grand Canyon National Park in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Grand Canyon Depot

Photographed by Denise Boose, December 9, 2016

1. Grand Canyon Depot Marker

Inscription. In 1901, the screech of train brakes and the blast of a train whistle signaled the arrival of a new era in Grand Canyon Village. The railroad provided the most comfortable means of transportation to the canyon for more than a quarter century. This log depot, finished in 1910, welcomed train passengers to a growing village. By 1924, a community development plan was created for the village. Almost a century later, that planned community forms the core of Grand Canyon Village, centering on the last operational log depot in the country. Today, the depot is carefully preserved and still welcomes passengers to the canyon.

Erected by Grand Canyon National Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.

Location. 36° 3.404′ N, 112° 8.201′ W. Marker is in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, in Coconino County. It can be reached from Village Loop Drive. Marker is located on the train track side. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Grand Canyon AZ 86023, United

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States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Flagstaff & High Country

and in Hopi.

It is also in the American Southwest,

in the Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Santa Fe Depot (here, next to this marker); El Tovar (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Building One (about 300 feet away); El Tovar Hotel (about 400 feet away); Hopi House (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named El Tovar Hotel (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Hopi House (about 500 feet away); Grand Canyon Village (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Canyon National Park.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Hopi House (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Denise Boose, December 9, 2016

2. Grand Canyon Depot Marker

Grand Canyon Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose, December 9, 2016

3. Grand Canyon Depot

Photo Displayed on Marker image. Click for full size.

4. Photo Displayed on Marker

In 1989, passenger service resumed, bringing thousands of visitors to Grand Canyon by rail each year. Traveling this way lessens auto congestion on traffic-busy park roads.

5. Photo Displayed on Marker

These photos depict a thriving Grand Canyon rail operation, but with the opening of the paved automotive highway from Williams, Arizona, in 1926, that began to change. Ridership declined for decades. Finally, in 1968, the passengers service and depot closed.

6. Photo Displayed on Marker

The original depot was a small shack located west of here. The need for a larger, more sophisticated structure quickly became apparent.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2017, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 488 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 16, 2017, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.