Historic Crystal River Train Depot

Citrus County's first railroad depot stood on this site soon after the county's first rail line from Dunnellon was completed in 1887. Built by the Silver Springs, Ocala and Gulf Railroad, the spur line was later extended to Homosassa, with service beginning in 1888. The railroad was consolidated into the Savannah, Florida and Western Railroad in 1901, and a year later became part of the Atlantic Coast Line Company. It improved the shipment and receipt of goods, made travel easier for tourists, and turned the depot into the hub of a growing business area because Crystal Street was the main road east. The original depot burned around 1900 and was rebuilt around 1901-1902. In the 1920's and 30's, four different trains arrived twice daily at one time, including daily passenger service to Ocala. Rail service was eventually discontinued in the late 1960's, and the depot was used for other purposes. In 1991, the Crystal River Lions Club leased the building, and it again became a center of community activity as clubs and organizations used it.

Crystal River, Florida · United States