San Bernardino in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot
Photographed by Adam Margolis, March 8, 2025
1. San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot Marker
Shortly thereafter, city leaders asked the railway to design and build an impressive new depot that would befit the city image as the gateway to Southern California. The resulting $800,000 depot, designed by company architect W.A. Mohr, was the largest west of the Mississippi. Upon opening on July 15, 1918, The San Bernardino Daily Sun proclaimed Santa Fes station to be the finest in the west and a credit to San Bernardino for showing the importance of the Gate City as a transportation center.
Once a bustling passenger and freight rail transportation center with a restaurant, living quarters, and offices, the Santa Fe Depot fell into disrepair for many years. Thanks to a $15.1 million rehabilitation effort shared by SANBAG and the city of San Bernardino, the Santa Fe Depot has been restored to its former beauty.
The Depot is listed in the National Historic Register, as well as the California Register of Historic Places.
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway series list.
Location. 34° 6.24′ N, 117° 18.589′ W. Marker is in San Bernardino, California, in San Bernardino County. It is on West 3rd Street west of K Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1170 West 3rd Street, San Bernardino CA 92410, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles, in the Inland Empire, in the Peninsular Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse Ranges. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Mitla Cafι (approx. half a mile away); War Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); California Theater (approx. 0.8 miles away); United States Post Office (approx. 1.1 miles away); 60th Anniversary of the CCC (approx. 1.2 miles away); To Jedediah Smith (approx. 1.2 miles away); Site of Mormon Stockade (approx. 1.2 miles away); POW MIA Memorial Flag Pole (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Bernardino.
Other markers no longer nearby. La Plaza Park, San Bernardino, California (was approx. 0.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing); The Council House (was approx. 1.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Charles C Rich, Amasa M Lyman
Photographed by Adam Margolis, March 8, 2025
2. San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot and Marker
The marker is near the flagpole.
Regarding San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot. The depot is on the National Register of Historic Places, and a California Point of Historical Interest.
Also see . . . Railroad Museum. Open Wed 9-12 & Sat 10-3. (Submitted on October 10, 2018.)
Photographed by Adam Margolis, March 8, 2025
3. San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 6, 2018
4. Depot Interior
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 6, 2018
5. Colton Crossing
Moved here when a grade separation was built in 2013.
Photographed by Craig Baker, July 21, 2018
6. Marker Unveiling Ceremony
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,235 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 9, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 10, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
