Dear Friends, Supporters, and Lovers of Arizona History, and Train History.
My name is Adam, and I'm reaching out from Arizona with a heartfelt plea to help save a cherished piece of our state's railroad heritage: the historic Southern Pacific Train Depot in Red Rock, Arizona.
Built in 1917 (with roots tracing back even earlier to the early 1900s era of the station), this two-story combination depot once stood as a bustling hub along the Southern Pacific Railroad line. It served passengers, freight, and the growing communities of Pinal County, connecting Red Rock to Tucson, Phoenix, and beyond. For decades, it was the heartbeat of the area—welcoming travelers, supporting local mining and agriculture, and witnessing the growth of the American West.
Today, this irreplaceable landmark stands in very poor condition. After falling out of active railroad use in the 1970s and being repurposed over the years (including as a private residence), it has suffered from neglect, weathering, and the passage of time. The structure is deteriorating rapidly—roofs leaking, walls weakening, windows broken, and interior spaces in need of major repair. Without urgent intervention, we risk losing this rare surviving example of Southern Pacific architecture forever.
That's why we're launching this GoFundMe campaign to restore the Red Rock Train Depot to its original glory. Our goal is to bring the building back to life as a community treasure:
Partial use as a museum dedicated to the rich history of Red Rock, the Southern Pacific Railroad in Arizona, and the role railroads played in settling and developing our state. Visitors will be able to step back in time, explore exhibits on local rail history, mining operations, and the stories of the people who built this region.
A multi-purpose venue for events, educational programs, small gatherings, and tourism activities. By attracting visitors from nearby Tucson, Phoenix, and travelers along Interstate 10, the restored depot will generate ongoing revenue through admissions, rentals, gift shop sales, and partnerships—funds that will be reinvested into maintaining the site, expanding exhibits, and supporting local initiatives.
This isn't just about saving an old building; it's about preserving our shared history for future generations. Imagine families exploring the depot, school groups learning about Arizona's railroad legacy, and tourists discovering the hidden stories of Red Rock. Let's ensure this piece of the past doesn't fade away—let's give it new life as a vibrant community asset.
Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference. Funds will go directly toward:
Structural repairs and stabilization
Roof replacement and weatherproofing
Exterior and interior restoration to historic standards
Museum setup (displays, signage, artifacts)
Initial operational costs to open to the public
We may also pursue historic preservation grants to stretch every dollar further.
Don't let this piece of history die. Help us restore the Red Rock Train Station so future generations can experience and appreciate the vital role railroads played in shaping Arizona.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and support. Together, we can keep this legacy alive!
With gratitude,
Adam