In the spring of 1913, the mighty iron horse finally arrived in Susanville and the community rejoiced. It was a long time coming, ever since the early 1880s they had done all they  could to attract a railroad, citing its untapped timber resources as an incentive. For awhile there was a glimmer of hope that the NCO Railroad would extends its line to Susanville on its journey north to Oregon. That was shattered when the railroad in 1887 decided to bypass Susanville and build its line along the east side of the Honey Lake Valley.

With the arrival of the Fernley & Lassen Railroad, in 1913, the residents wondered what kind of depot they would have. As far as the Southern Pacific, owners of the line,  were concerned it would be a modest structure, since in their opinion, Susanville was a small community that had no industry.  A wooden 26 foot by 62 foot depot was built, being part passenger depot and part frieght shed. It opened to the public on September 14, 1913 with C.B. Morton’s the first depot agent.

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P.S. For those who want to know, yesterday the cast came off and pins removed, too. It will take time to fully function again, but its a start in the right direction. Thank you Dr. Mark for everything and for most pleasant and memorable office visit yesterday.