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Tonkawa Santa Fe Depot
By Evelyn Coyle

Area business men and farmers were determined that the Santa Fe bring the railroad to Tonkawa with the purpose of hauling their wheat and cattle to market. Their determination paid off, and in 1899, tracks were laid. A small depot was built at what is now 6th and Grand Avenue. 

In 1922, the Three Sands Oil Field was discovered south of Tonkawa. Another freight room was added to the depot to receive equipment and supplies for the oil field developers. In 1943, a prisoner of war camp was built just north of Tonkawa with building supplies arriving by rail. German POW's arrived by rail and also left by rail when WWII was over in 1945 and the camp was closed. The Santa Fe Trailways Bus Line started service to Tonkawa in 1945.
A waiting room was extended on the south side of the depot for the bus passengers. There is unfortunate evidence of the Jim Crow Law with segregated restrooms and waiting area.

The Santa Fe abandoned the railroad service to Tonkawa about 1971, but made the depot available to the Tonkawa Historical Society for a museum. Around 1990, the Santa Fe sold the depot, tracks and right-of way. The business that purchased the depot deeded it to the Tonkawa Historical Society on  December 17, 2007. Committees were formed in April, 2008, to renovate the dilapidated depot. Fundraisers were organized. Contributors have been
generous. Repair work began in July, 2008, with all volunteer workers.
The depot was scraped and sanded, emergency repair work done and the grounds were cleaned. The roof was replaced by a paid professional. Broken windows have been replaced. With donated paint, the transformation was taking place.

When the weather permits, the outside painting will be completed. Fortunately, the inside of the depot is in good condition. A thorough cleaning and painting will be needed. New plumbing and wiring will be installed as money is available.

A caboose has been given to the Tonkawa Historical Society to be placed on
the grounds. It is the intent of the society to use the two freight rooms
for artifacts dedicated to the agricultural and the petroleum industries.
The office will be restored as nearly as possible as it was when the
railroad was active. There are numerous suggestions for the use of the
large waiting room.

This has been a great project for Tonkawa. When the project is finished, it
will be an interesting and educational place for school children to visit as
well as adults. The caboose will be an added attraction.

Downtown Tonkawa
photograph courtesy of  the Oklahoma Historical Society

Santa Fe Depot - Tonkawa
photograph courtesy of Evelyn Coyle