Unique open air waiting porch projects from the southwest elevation of the depot.

By Paul Schmidt

The unique train depot in Osage City, Kan., was constructed 1911-1912, typical of Santa Fe depots built in the Spanish Mission style during the time period. It was built by Stivers Harvey contractors, of Kansas City, for about $13,000.

The depot is beautifully detailed in dark red brick against light creme concrete walls to recall stucco. The parapet features original Santa Fe Railroad identification complete with cross and lettering.

The Osage City Santa Fe Depot is located at 508 Market St., where it was built parallel to the now Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks that dissect the town from southwest to northeast.

It is one of two such Spanish Mission style Santa Fe depots left, with the other one located in central Texas at Coleman.

The depot is owned by the city of Osage City and serves as a community gathering place and mining and railroad museum. The depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Feb. 28, 1989, due to efforts by Noble Hunsicker and other local supporters.

The depot’s parapet shows the original Santa Fe cross logo, wings, and unique lettering.

Brick quoining details the depot’s corners, windows and arches.

Photos thanks to Paul Schmidt. Information thanks to Kansas State Historical Society; original National Register of Historic Places application.