The original building served as the company's primary Los Angeles terminal until the opening of Arcade Depot in 1888.

It was demolished in 1940, though the site is noted within "The Cornfield" section of Los Angeles State Historic Park.

The first station utilizing the site was a wooden structure built in 1875, though passenger and logistical operations did not move here until June 1877.

[6] As development had coalesced around what became Downtown Los Angeles, Southern Pacific responded by building the Arcade Depot in 1888,[3] diminishing the importance of River Station.

[10] The yards were subsequently removed and the site was renovated into the Los Angeles State Historic Park.