Cedar City in Iron County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Cedar City Railroad Depot
Utah Historic Site
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, August 29, 2012
1. Cedar City Railroad Depot Marker
Built in 1923, the Cedar City Railroad Depot is historically significant for its direct association with the railroad and its impact on Cedar City. In addition to stimulating the local iron ore and livestock industries, the railroad connection to Cedar City greatly contributed to the expansion of the tourism industry in southern Utah. As roads to scenic areas were developed, Cedar City became a strategic center for travel to national parks and monuments. The first official train arrived at the new depot on June 27, 1923 and carried numerous dignitaries, including President and Mrs. Warren G. Harding.
In addition to constructing the depot, the Union Pacific Railroad became fully involved in the tourist industry by purchasing hotels, buses, and building lodges. Tourist travel increased dramatically following completion of the railroad and depot – visitors to Zion National Park increased from 3,692 in 1920 to 55,297 in 1930. Automobile traffic gradually superseded rail travel to the point that the railroad eventually closed its line to Cedar City in 1959. The Cedar City Railroad Depot remains the only building that documents the important influence that tourism and the railroad had on the development of Cedar City in the first half of the twentieth century.
Erected 1993 by
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #29 Warren G. Harding series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1806.
Location. 37° 40.891′ N, 113° 3.738′ W. Marker is in Cedar City, Utah, in Iron County. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street and East 200 North, on the right when traveling south on North Main Street. Marker is on the northwest corner at the far south end of depot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cedar City UT 84721, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Heroine of China (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); El Escalante Hotel (about 300 feet away); The Utah Parks Company (about 300 feet away); The Southern Paiute People (about 700 feet away); Pioneer Stockman (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bank of Southern Utah (approx. 0.2 miles away); Richard Harrison (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Cedar's Hotel (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cedar City.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, August 29, 2012
2. Cedar City Railroad Depot Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, August 29, 2012
3. Cedar City Railroad Depot
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 839 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 17, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
