Nostalgia & History > Central Pacific's 1869 Era Niles, CA Depot

Southern Pacific's 1901-built Niles, CA depot is a familiar sight to railfans and motorists along Mission Blvd. about a half mile from its original location and serves as a museum. But hidden away on a quiet dead end street in a residential area of town is the original Central Pacific depot built in 1869. It served the railroad for 32 years until replaced by the '01 structure and was moved off site to serve as the town library. Along the way it lost about half its length and became a private residence which it remains to this day. Beautifully maintained by its owners it is located at 386 Riverside Ave. on Niles west side. See page 2 of Arcadia Publishing's "Niles Canyon Railways" for a photo of the Niles depot in its heyday.

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But what then is the bldg on 2nd Street that was also the library and old justice court? There used to be a jail next door (to the south. This is also touted as part of the original SP station, perhaps the "other" part? (Per the PLA Web site) Thanks.

Ed Ryan
Peoria, AZ

It sure looks well maintained, though. Very nice.

fireplug Wrote:
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> But what then is the bldg on 2nd Street that was
> also the library and old justice court? There used
> to be a jail next door (to the south. This is also
> touted as part of the original SP station, perhaps
> the "other" part? (Per the PLA Web site) Thanks.
>
> Ed Ryan
> Peoria, AZ


Jim Swofford of the PLA tells me that both buildings were at one time all, or part of. the original depot. Thanks.

Ed Ryan