The Arrival of the Railroad in Stillwater: A New Era Begins

Before the railroad reached Stillwater, the town remained largely isolated due to its lack of roads and bridges. Travel and trade were arduous, with the only routes being rough trails leading to Orlando, 35 miles to the east, or to Wharton, now known as Perry. These journeys took several hours by horse-drawn hack, limiting the town’s ability to grow and prosper.

The First Train Arrives in Stillwater

Excitement filled the air as news spread that Eastern Oklahoma Railway was completing its tracks to Stillwater. On the morning of March 25, 1900, at precisely 9:00 a.m., the long-awaited whistle of the first train echoed through town, signaling the arrival of a new era. The momentous occasion drew over 700 residents to the station to welcome the train, marking a significant turning point in Stillwater’s development.

With the railroad, Stillwater was finally connected to the towns of Ripley and Pawnee and points beyond, allowing for more efficient transportation of goods, materials, and people. The Stillwater Railroad Depot quickly became an essential hub, providing solutions to residents who had struggled with the town’s isolation. The original wooden depot, hastily constructed to meet immediate needs, was eventually replaced in 1911 with a more permanent structure that still stands today.

Transformation Through Rail Connection

Before the train service began, travel to and from Stillwater was a grueling task and the difficulty of transporting building materials and other goods into town limited growth potential. Louis Snyder and W.W. Snyder provided hack services, transporting passengers to Orlando in five and a half hours or to Wharton in three and a half hours, where they could catch north- and southbound trains. The arrival of the railroad transformed Stillwater from a remote settlement into a thriving community with newfound opportunities for economic and social growth.

In its glory days, starting as early as 1906, the Stillwater depot was served by six passenger trains with connections to Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City, the Oklahoma panhandle and other locations. The Stillwater depot played a central role in community life for decades, seeing residents come and go and welcome visiting family members and local businessmen make new connections. The entire community turned out to bid farewell to young men catching the train at the depot to head into their futures as soldiers during WWI. Over the years, passenger rail service became less important and faded into the background of history. Limited passenger service continued until the mid-1950s, but now Stillwater only has freight service from Perry via Pawnee, mostly to serve businesses along Perkins Road.

The Stillwater Railroad Depot Today

Today, the Stillwater Railroad Depot at 400 East Tenth Avenue has been restored and serves as the national headquarters for Tau Beta Sigma, a national honorary band sorority. While the trains that once carried settlers and supplies no longer roll through town, the depot stands as a lasting tribute to the day Stillwater was forever changed.

Explore Stillwater’s Rich History

This rich history is just one of many aspects that make Stillwater a fascinating destination where the past and present come together. Visitors can delve into Stillwater’s past at the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar and many other local sites. Explore more of Stillwater’s legacy on our site and then make plans to come experience the many historical treasures that Stillwater has to offer.

Stillwater invites visitors to explore its vibrant community. Stroll through historic downtown streets, visit local shops and eateries, and experience why Stillwater is called America’s Friendliest College Town.

Explore Stillwater's Rich History!