The Old Frisco Depot

When the first train chugged into Van Buren, June 24, 1876, it signaled the beginning of a new era for this growing river town. By 1882, the city was linked with St. Louis, “in the iron bands of free and uninterrupted commerce.” Reflecting its importance as a railroad junction, the Frisco Passenger Depot was erected in 1901 and today serves as the Van Buren Visitors Center and point of embarkation for the Arkansas-Missouri Railroad Excursion Train. Restored with exacting detail, visitors today can stand on the open veranda or wander through the “smoking room” and the original waiting room.