[4] In 1893 a fire destroyed this Magnolia railway depot that was completed during the President Franklin Pierce administration in 1856.

[3][5] Between 1893 and 1895, the present structure was built a little north of the original site, next to the Illinois Central Railroad.

The front gable was taken in by the roof and the north waiting rooms expanded and enlarged, with other significant alterations to the structure occurring on the south part as well.

[1] It was designed to accommodate both freight and passengers at the turn of the 20th century, when Magnolia served as a resort destination.

[5] Because of the structure's age and deterioration of the foundation, complete exterior restoration was required, but the original windows and siding were retained for historical integrity.