The Punta Gorda Train Depot
The Punta Gorda Train Depot was built in 1928 and was the southernmost in the United States at that time. It is the only surviving depot of the 6 Mediterranean Revival Style depots built by the Atlantic Coast Line.
The depot was designed to mainly handle freight. The passenger areas occupy a small portion of the northern end of the building.
The racially separate ticket windows, waiting rooms and bathrooms reflect the segregation practices of the time of its construction.
By 1971 the depot was closed. The building was eventually purchased by local landowner Fred Babcock, who donated it to the Punta Gorda Historical Society in 1996. Two years later volunteers began restoration of the building.
The “Colored” waiting room has been restored to its original condition. It is now exhibit space for the Blanchard House Museum of African American History and Culture of Charlotte County. The Blanchard House Museum is located at 406 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. BLVD. in Punta Gorda (the corner of MLK and E. Virginia).
The Punta Gorda Train Depot was built in 1928 and was the southernmost in the United States at that time. It is the only surviving depot of the 6 Mediterranean Revival Style depots built by the Atlantic Coast Line.
The depot was designed to mainly handle freight. The passenger areas occupy a small portion of the northern end of the building.
The racially separate ticket windows, waiting rooms and bathrooms reflect the segregation practices of the time of its construction.
By 1971 the depot was closed. The building was eventually purchased by local landowner Fred Babcock, who donated it to the Punta Gorda Historical Society in 1996. Two years later volunteers began restoration of the building.
The “Colored” waiting room has been restored to its original condition. It is now exhibit space for the Blanchard House Museum of African American History and Culture of Charlotte County. The Blanchard House Museum is located at 406 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. BLVD. in Punta Gorda (the corner of MLK and E. Virginia).
