Callahan in Nassau County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Callahan Train Depot
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, November 30, 2023
1. Callahan Train Depot Marker
Inscription.
Callahan Train Depot. . The Callahan Train Depot was built by the Savannah, Florida and Western Railroad in 1881 along their Waycross GA to Jacksonville FL line that was the first major rail connection between Florida and the northern states. The original 32-foot square layout reflected the late-Victorian style of architecture with its ornate gingerbread trim. Its original location was 900 yards to the west and sat across from David Yulee's Florida Railroad Depot (1856-1920s). The two rail stations served as the commercial hub of Callahan until 1905 when the SFW moved their tracks and depot 1,000 yards further west. At that time the station was doubled in size to meet the needs of the growing rail junction. When passenger train travel waned in the 1970s the station was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In 1986 community leaders acquired the station from SFW-successor CSX and after 2 more moves it was refurbished here at this final spot. Since it reopened in 1988 the beloved station has served as a library and Chamber of Commerce office before becoming the West Nassau Historical Society's Museum of Local History.
The Callahan Train Depot was built by the Savannah, Florida and Western Railroad in 1881 along their Waycross GA to Jacksonville FL line that was the first major rail connection between Florida and the northern states. The original 32-foot square layout reflected the late-Victorian style of architecture with its ornate gingerbread trim. Its original location was 900 yards to the west and sat across from David Yulee's Florida Railroad Depot (1856-1920s). The two rail stations served as the commercial hub of Callahan until 1905 when the SFW moved their tracks and depot 1,000 yards further west. At that time the station was doubled in size to meet the needs of the growing rail junction. When passenger train travel waned in the 1970s the station was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In 1986 community leaders acquired the station from SFW-successor CSX and after 2 more moves it was refurbished here at this final spot. Since it reopened in 1988 the beloved station has served as a library and Chamber of Commerce office before becoming the West Nassau Historical Society's Museum of Local History.
Erected 2021 by Princess Amelia Chapter National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
Location. 30° 33.866′ N, 81° 49.972′ W. Marker is in Callahan, Florida, in Nassau County. Marker is on Dixie Avenue, 0.1 miles north of North Booth Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 45383 Dixie Avenue, Callahan FL 32011, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 10, 2024, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 104 times since then. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on January 10, 2024, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
