W.B. Strong Memorial Railroad Park
Strong City, Kansas
The town of Strong City originated in March of 1871 when the Santa Fe Railroad was completed to the point then known as Cottonwood Station. Strong City was referred to as Cottonwood Station until 1881. In February of 1881 a petition was signed by a majority of the citizens and presented to the legislature asking that the body officially change the name to Strong. It was approved and Cottonwood Station was renamed in honor of William Barstow (W.B.) Strong, General Superintendent and later, President of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. In 1945 "City" was added to the name Strong.
A six stall roundhouse employed many workers and was active 1887 to 1938.
The original depot burned in 1902 and was replaced in 1903. In 1913, due in part to the very heavy passenger and freight traffic, a new brick depot trimmed in native cut limestone was built for a cost of $20,000. The new depot was one of the best in the Santa Fe System.
The caboose was donated by Santa Fe in 1990.
Marker is at the intersection of Cottonwood Street (Kansas Route 177) and the railroad crossing, on the right when traveling south on Cottonwood Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
