Former Railroad Depot

This location served as a railroad depot from 1905-2004. It first served the Tanana Mines Railroad, that was later renamed Tanana Valley Railroad, which made runs to gold camps in the area. The president and founder was Fal­con Joslin, whose home was seen earlier. The Alaska Railroad, con­necting Anchorage and Fairbanks, was completed in 1923. President Harding attended the ceremonies to celebrate the com­pletion, driving a commemorative golden spike in Nenana and visit­ing Fairbanks as the first American president to ever do so. He addressed Fairbanksans from the steps of the Masonic Temple (#21 on walking tour). The state of Alaska purchased the Alaska Railroad from the federal government in 1985. A new depot, located at 1745 Johansen Expressway, was constructed in 2005 to improve passenger service and safety. President Harding’s railroad car can now be seen in Pioneer Park. The former depot has become home to the Spruce Tree Montessori school.