On April 22, 1889, the day of the Land Rush of 1889, Stillwater, Oklahoma became a populous community for the first time.

Soon, a group of leading residents realized that it would be essential for Stillwater to be located on the railroad if it were to survive, let alone thrive.

[3] From 1915 until the end of World War II in 1945, both freight and passenger traffic grew substantially.

By 1950, passenger demand decreased substantially, as potential riders switched to using their private automobiles.

In that year, the Santa Fe ceased moving freight to and from Stillwater, and closed the depot permanently.

The new structure also has a gable roof, covered with green-glazed terra cotta shingles, and eaves that extend beyond the walls.

They approached the city commissioners, asking them to buy the depot temporarily until they located someone who take permanent ownership and preserve the building.

The banker authorized a temporary loan that would meet their needs and told them to go ahead and submit a bid, which was accepted.