The New Mexico and Arizona Railroad that served Patagonia was built by the Santa Fe in 1881-82 and after 1897 was operated by the Southern Pacific. The last portion of the line, ending at Patagonia, was abandoned in 1962. The Patagonia depot building dates from the turn of the century. In 1965 the Patagonia-Sonoita Rotary Club saved it from demolition and began an ongoing effort to preserve it, and since 1974 the City of Patagonia has used it for municipal offices.