The Current Depot
In the early 1970’s the Illinois Central Railroad closed their Depot which had operated in downtown Newbern since the railroad was constructed in 1879. The Illinois Central Depot was the 3rd Depot used in the city. Historical Records do not say where the first depot was located or what happened to it. We do not know when the 2nd depot was built but we do know it was destroyed by fire in 1918.
The below photo shows current depot when it was completed and opened for operation in 1920 in the same location as the 2nd depot.
Below is a photograph of the depot’s condition when purchased by the city in 1990. The facility was overgrown with grass, windows broken and the only inhabitants were pigeons.
A group of concerned citizens, the city and local businesses jumped in and restored this dilapidated structure and brought it into pristine condition. It is currently listed with the Tennessee Historical Commission and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.