Punta Gorda in Charlotte County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Punta Gorda Railroad Depot
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, May 14, 2015
1. Punta Gorda Railroad Depot Marker
Inscription.
Punta Gorda Railroad Depot. . Plans to build the railroad depot in Punta Gorda began in 1928. Although the trains carried passengers, the main purpose was for shipping fish to northern markets. The Punta Gorda depot is the only remaining one of this style built by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. Its design incorporated the Spanish Mission style features used by Atlantic Coast Line in six Florida depots. The original work was awarded to the R.W. Burrows Construction Company of Bartow. By 1971 the depot was closed to freight traffic and purchased by Fred C. Babcock, who donated the site to Old Punta Gorda, Inc., in 1996. In 1998 volunteers began to restore the building. The former "Colored" waiting room features pictures of area pioneers and local prominent African Americans. The former "White" waiting room includes other exhibits. The ticket office now includes railroad memorabilia, historic items from the local fishing industry and nostalgic items from World War II (1941-1945) troop arrivals to Charlotte County. In August 2004 the depot was hit by Hurricane Charlie {sic}, but it has since been restored as a Punta Gorda landmark. The depot was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
Plans to build the railroad depot in Punta Gorda began in 1928. Although the trains carried passengers, the main purpose was for shipping fish to northern markets. The Punta Gorda depot is the only remaining one of this style built by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. Its design incorporated the Spanish Mission style features used by Atlantic Coast Line in six Florida depots. The original work was awarded to the R.W. Burrows Construction Company of Bartow. By 1971 the depot was closed to freight traffic and purchased by Fred C. Babcock, who donated the site to Old Punta Gorda, Inc., in 1996. In 1998 volunteers began to restore the building. The former "Colored" waiting room features pictures of area pioneers and local prominent African Americans. The former "White" waiting room includes other exhibits. The ticket office now includes railroad memorabilia, historic items from the local fishing industry and nostalgic items from World War II (1941-1945) troop arrivals to Charlotte County. In August 2004 the depot was hit by Hurricane Charlie {sic}, but it has since been restored as a Punta Gorda landmark. The depot was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
Erected 2007 by Sponsored by Old Punta Gorda, Inc. DBA Punta Gorda Historical Society and The Florida Department of State
Location. 26° 55.78′ N, 82° 2.755′ W. Marker is in Punta Gorda, Florida, in Charlotte County. Marker is at the intersection of Taylor Road and Carmalita Street, on the right when traveling south on Taylor Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1009 Taylor Road, Punta Gorda FL 33950, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. Punta Gorda Railroad Depot front view from marker
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, May 14, 2015
3. Punta Gorda Railroad Depot White and Colored entrances
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, May 14, 2015
4. Punta Gorda Railroad Depot rearview
Credits. This page was last revised on May 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 316 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 22, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
