Helix Railroad Depot

This building, part of the original Helix Railroad Depot, was located on land just north of Richmond Lane and Harrison Street.

It serviced a standard gauge train line that ran its way north through Vansycle Canyon on its way to the Columbia River at Wallula, Washington, where it merged with other railways that continued north to Pasco and west to Umatilla. The Washington and Columbia River Railroad was built through Helix in 1889. By then, there were five businesses and one dozen residences in the town. But, difficult times would halt the growth of the small town. The Panic of 1893 was an economic depression in the United States that began in 1893 and ended in 1897. It deeply affected every sector of the economy and all areas of the country. Between 1892 and 1893, wheat prices tumbled due to storms, drought, and overproduction. The decline in prices caused grave financial problems for farmers. Purchasing power for goods and services decreased. Not until 1897 did business revive and activity begin again. In 1920, the population of Helix reached 290.

Currently, this building is part of the Helix City Museum and will feature exhibits about Helix’s railroad past.