Cedar City Railroad Depot
Utah Historic Site
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 Automobile traffic gradually superseded rail travel to the point that the railroad eventually closed its line to Cedar City in 1959.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.
Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street and East 200 North, on the right when traveling south on North Main Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
