Last updated: September 28, 2026
Place
Thurmond Passenger Depot
Gene Huddleston; C&O Historical Society
Quick Facts
Significance:
Historic Building
Amenities
3 listed
Parking - Auto, Toilet - Flush, Toilet - Vault/Composting
Thurmond Walking Tour Stop 1
The first passenger depot built in 1891 burned down in December 1892. Another version was built shortly after, which burned in 1903. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway announced the new third depot would be one of the largest on the line, although this goal never became reality. The C&O planned to build a temporary depot and freight office that would be replaced with a large brick structure. The current two-story Thurmond Depot opened in 1904. Construction did not start until the spring of 1904 and was completed the same year. Was this building the planned temporary structure that was never replaced? This building is only 15 feet wide instead of the usual 20 foot width. Customer complaints caused the C&O to add a 15 foot long extension to the east end of the building in 1915.
The first floor served travelers coming and going from Thurmond. The ticket agent’s office, baggage room, waiting rooms, and restrooms were at track level. Other services for passengers on the first floor included a lunch counter and news room.
The second floor housed the signal tower and telegraph office. It also had offices for the dispatcher, train master, and conductor. The decline in passenger trains in the 1960s caused the depot to undergo changes. The entire first floor joined the second floor as offices for the railroad. These offices operated until the mid-1980s when they finally closed.
A few years later, the National Park Service acquired the depot. The park service restored the building to its classic early 1900s look. The building opened for use as a visitor center in 1995. Today, this place gives us a glimpse of Thurmond’s lively days. Active preservation work continues to maintain its historical appearance. Thurmond remains a flag stop for Amtrak passenger trains. Amtrak added an accessibility platform in 2023.