The Rock Island Railroad was completed through Gerald in March, 1901. In 1902, a depot was built. After that depot was destroyed by fire, the present depot was erected to replace it and remained operational until March, 1975, when the Rock Island Railroad filed bankruptcy. When demolition was scheduled, Gerald citizens raised funds to move the historic depot to its present location. It is the only remaining original Rock Island Depot left on the Rock Island line and is part of the City of Gerald heritage.