Craig Railroad Depot
Year Listed: 2008
County: Moffat County
Status: ALERT
Context: Transportation
Date Constructed: 1917
Significance:
The Craig Depot was the end of the Moffat rail line, which was initially planned to run from Denver to Salt Lake City. A loss of financial backing forced David Moffat to scale back his original plans, so he ended the line in Craig. With the harsh winter months and impassable roads, the train served as the main connection to the Yampa Valley, and the line was dubbed the “Moffat Road.” Initially, potatoes and head lettuce filled the trains, but by the 1950s, more wool was shipped by rail from Craig than from any other place in the world. The depot served both Utah and Wyoming in addition to residents of northwest Colorado.
Threat When Listed:
In 1985, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad shut down the depot, its functions taken over by a computer in Denver. In 2001, the Union Pacific Corporation, the current owners, delayed demolition of the depot and negotiated with the Museum of Northwest Colorado and the Community Foundation of Northwest Colorado to donate the building. However, in 2004, Union Pacific decided against donating the depot, and the building continues to deteriorate. The re-activation of both rail lines surrounding the depot adds to this preservation challenge.
Since Listing:
Last Update:
February 2008