Ventura County Landmark No. 29: Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, Santa Susana
Historical Background
The Santa Susana Southern Pacific Railroad Depot was constructed in 1903 as part of the expansion of the Southern Pacific Rail System at that time (Perzel, 2017). Santa Susana’s Southern Pacific Railroad Depot accommodated both freight and passenger service in and out of Ventura County, with a heavy emphasis on the distribution of agricultural goods. Likely no single event in the County’s history changed so many people’s lives as the coming of the railroad. As was the case in numerous towns across the American West, the railroad played a major role in the development of Ventura County. Thirteen other depots were constructed throughout Ventura County at the following locations: Oxnard, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru, Ojai, Camarillo, Moorpark, Sespe, Camulos, Somis, Saticoy, Montalvo, and downtown Ventura (Perzel, 2017). Of the fourteen Southern Pacific Railroad Depots once located in Ventura County, only a few remain, including the one in Santa Susana (Perzel, 2017).
The depot is one of the few buildings left from the original Santa Susana townsite. Due to lessening passenger traffic and changes in the shipment of freight, Southern Pacific closed the station in the early 1970s, leaving the Santa Susana depot empty, susceptible to vandalism, and destined for demolition (Ventura County Museums, 2023). The County of Ventura purchased the depot from the railroad and moved it from its original location on Los Angeles Avenue. In May 1975, the building was divided into three parts and moved by truck to county property two miles east of the site it was built on (Ventura County Museums, 2023).
Architectural Style
Southern Pacific had standard designs for depots that were employed throughout the county. A depot design was chosen for use based on the specific needs of the area in which it was to be located. These depot structures were often prefabricated in a central location, transported by rail, and assembled on site (Perzel, 2017). Southern Pacific used Standard Number 22 station plans to build the Santa Susana depot.
In terms of architectural style, the depot best fits into the Late Victorian Stick/Eastlake Style, as evidenced by the presence of various styles of wood siding and wide overhanging eaves supported by brackets. Its primary building material is wood. Significant features of the structure include, but are not limited to, its floorplan, windows and doors, and interior and exterior wall finishes. The second floor of the building served as living quarters for the station agent and family (Perzel, 2017).
Current Use
It is currently being used to house the Santa Susana Railroad Museum and Santa Susana Pacific Model Railroad Society. The museum focuses on railroad history in the region and has many artifacts and historic photos on display. Along with the railroad-related features, the museum also has a collection of materials related to the nearby Corriganville Movie Ranch.
Additional Reading
References
Perzel, Rachel Beth (August 2017). National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, Saticoy Southern Pacific Railroad Depot.
Ventura County Museums (2023). “Santa Susana Railroad Depot & Museum.” https://www.venturacountymuseums.org/santa-susana-railroad-depot-museum/.
Image Copyright Notice
Date Designated: January 1976
Location: 6503 Katherine Road, Simi Valley
Photos:
