History of the Greensboro Depot
The historic Apalachicola Northern Railroad (ANRR) depot in Greensboro was built in 1907 and is the only remaining depot on the line which runs from River Junction in Gadsden County to Port St. Joe in Gulf County, Florida. About 40 years ago, the depot was moved from its original location between the main line and the side track to a nearby lot. It was then remodeled by Nelson Clark and used as his barber shop, grocery store as well as a thrift shop operated by area United Methodist churches. As Progress Energy Corporation began expanding network electrical lines through Northwest Florida, it became evident that the old depot was directly in its path and the demolition of the depot building was planned. The ANRR had been significant to the growth throughout this area, and West Gadsden Historical Society (WGHS) realized what a tremendous historic loss the demolition of this landmark would be to the town, county and the entire region.
With destruction looming, WGHS acted quickly, contacting Progress Energy, telling them of our strong desire to save the old depot building from destruction, preserve it, and establish it as a railroad museum. In turn, Progress Energy generously donated the building to WGHS and provided funding to relocate the historic depot to a parcel of land adjacent to the railroad that had been graciously donated by the St. Joe Land Company. After many hours of planning, design, permitting delays and sweat to ready the depot for relocation, the Greensboro Depot was moved on September 7, 2007. We were fortunate then to receive grant funding through the U. S. Department of Transportation with which the historic depot was restored and an adjoining classroom building constructed. Gadsden County graciously volunteered to administer the grant and further facilitated bidding and construction inspection of the depot’s renovation.
The Greensboro Depot Railroad Museum now proudly stands again in the center of Greensboro at the corner of Selman Street and Duffle Avenue. Community support and admiration of the restored structure signifies its importance to the re-growth of the area. The depot now serves as a museum that houses not only items pertaining to the Apalachicola Northern Railroad, but many different railroads’ memorabilia.
