Historical Significance of Caldwell and the Train Depot
Caldwell has a rich and unique heritage, with the Depot at the center of this heritage. It was established in 1883 by Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Strahorn. Mr. Strahorn worked for the Oregon Short Line Railroad as an advance man, traveling the west in search of new townsite locations. He chose the desert southwest of Boise for the townsite in the area, apparently deciding that the steep grade into Boise was not practical. Thus, the city of Caldwell was born.
Strahorn encourages area merchants to set up stores in the new railroad town, and started a lumberyard. By September of that year, the railroad was completed to Caldwell and a “tent city” was established. The only constructed building at that time was the original Depot, and it served as a city center. By 1884 Caldwell had 600 people, 40 businesses, 150 other structures, a telephone system and a public school. As the Depot was the center of commerce in Caldwell, it became apparent that the original “shanty” structure would need to be replaced.
In 1889, the citizens of Caldwell petitioned the railroad for a new depot with a waiting room. Caldwell had become a major shipping point for the sheep and wool industries, and its citizens wanted a depot commensurate with its importance. Business leaders recognized the symbolic value of an attractive brick station to their economy. The Caldwell Tribune joined the crusade, stating, “The construction of an appropriate depot in Caldwell will greatly add to the appearance of the town, and more favorably impress prospective settlers who may visit the station”.
In 1906, Union Pacific’s general superintendent W.H. Bancroft informed Caldwell leaders that they intended to build a “large and ornate” depot building in Caldwell, along with a new City Hall and double lane bridge across Indian Creek, improving the entire downtown area. The Caldwell Tribune described it as a “thing of beauty [that] will be a joy forever”.
With the introduction of the automobile, Caldwell experienced dramatic change. Railroad traffic began to decrease and many small railheads lost their status for passenger service. Freight service continued until the mid 1980’s, then the Depot was closed completely. In 1989, the City of Caldwell procured a 99- year lease with Union Pacific so the Depot could be utilized for community events. It functions in this capacity today.