Sonoma Depot
Sonoma, Sonoma County, California
Marker Inscription
Sonoma Depot On January 2, 1976 the original depot was destroyed by fire. With the united efforts of the City of Sonoma, Sonoma Valley Historical Society and hundreds of interested and dedicated citizens, sufficient funds were collected to reconstruct the building. The original depot was constructed in 1880 on the north side of the plaza and in 1890 it was moved to the present location and expanded to accommodate the growing needs of the valley. The City of Sonoma purchased the depot and surrounding three acres in 1975 to preserve for future generations an important era in the history of Sonoma.
Erected by City of Sonoma
The Story
The Sonoma Depot was first built in 1880 on the north side of the plaza, then moved to this location in 1890 and enlarged to serve the growing Sonoma Valley. After fire destroyed the original in 1976, the City of Sonoma, the Sonoma Valley Historical Society, and hundreds of citizens raised funds to reconstruct the building. It preserves an important era in the valley's railroad history.
Why it matters
The depot recalls the age when railroads knit rural California valleys into the wider economy, and its rebuilding shows a community's commitment to preserving that heritage.
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