In 1858 John Armstrong purchased this and surrounding land from the U.S. knowing the Pacific Railroad would site its station here. Armstrong sold some land to the railroad for $1.00. By 1865, when the railroad began construction, businessmen from Old Town wanted to relocate here. Portions of the site sold for as much as $5500. This building, erected in 1881, has housed many businesses, including a Western Auto Store from 1983 to 1990 operated by Phil and Delores Crotty, the present owners.