The City of Boise is celebrating 100 years of the Boise Depot in April, so it’s a good time to get to know the history of the iconic landmark. (It’s so iconic, we had to include it in our City Cast Boise podcast logo!)
Located on the rim of the first Boise Bench, the Depot has a stunning view of Capitol Boulevard north to the Boise Foothills. No wonder an entire neighborhood is named after the Spanish-style building. But how did the station become a transit hub in the 20th Century?
The Union Pacific (Finally) Comes to Town
Passenger rail came to Boise late, compared to other Western cities. Despite being a state capital, it took four decades of work for the Union Pacific’s main line to come through the City of Trees. New York City architects Carrère and Hastings were hired to draw up plans, choosing a Mission revivalist design with a red tile roof, stucco walls, and trusses.
Work on the 96-foot tall bell tower in 1924. From the top, the bell tower attendant could see trains rolling into town from a distance. (Boise City Archives)
So when the first train rolled out of what was originally named the Union Pacific Mainline Depot on April 16, 1925, it was a big deal to the community. Boiseans crowded onto the platform for a party, recognizing the significance of the moment. For decades to come, people in Boise could catch a train to cities as far away as Chicago from this very platform.
The surrounding Platt Gardens came two years later. Union Pacific hired Spanish landscape architect Ricardo Espino to design the gardens, which include winding walkways, ponds, and benches for taking in the skyline view.
What’s the Future of Train Travel?
Despite the enthusiasm of that day in 1925, passengers haven’t hopped on a train from the Boise Depot since 1997. But in recent years, interest in rail transit has been gaining steam among western cities. Mayor Lauren McLean has advocated for passenger rail, and Valley Regional Transit CEO Elaine Clegg now sits on Amtrak’s board. Could the dream of train travel come true again 100 years later?
We’ll be talking with McLean and Clegg about this question during a live City Cast Boise podcast taping from 12 - 1 p.m. on April 15, as part of Parks and Recreation’s centennial celebration of the landmark. Mark your calendars for this free event inside the Boise Depot!
Everyone wanted their picture taken by the train that spring day in 1925, including these young women with apple blossom branches. (Charlie and Ila Wilcox scrapbook / Boise City Archives)
