Southern Railway Passenger Station
The Southern Railway Passenger Station, also known as the Westminster Depot, is a historic railway station located at 129 Main Street in Westminster, South Carolina. Built around 1885, it stands as one of the town’s oldest buildings and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The station was constructed by the Atlanta and Charlotte Air Line Railroad, a predecessor of the Southern Railway, during a period of rapid growth and development in Westminster. The railroad played a pivotal role in the town’s expansion, facilitating commerce and transportation. The depot served as a central hub for passenger travel and freight shipments, contributing to the community’s economic vitality.
The station features a rectangular plan measuring approximately 96 by 40 feet and is constructed with a deep hip roof. Originally built of wood, the exterior was covered with asbestos siding around 1940. The building includes two waiting rooms, an office, and a baggage room, reflecting the typical layout of railway stations from that era.
Today, the Southern Railway Passenger Station serves as a testament to the rich history of railway transportation in the region. While it no longer functions as an active train station, the building has been preserved as a historic site, offering visitors insight into the architectural and cultural heritage of Westminster and its railway past.