Kelso Depot did service the small town of Kelso, which at one
time had as many as several hundred people. But the size of this
railroad station perplexes most. the Kelso Depot was far more
than a functioning depot, for here the Los Angeles and Salt Lake
Railroad (Union Pacific) combined in a building a train depot,
boarding house, and a restaurant which served for employees &
passengers. The distance between Las Vegas and the connection
with the Santa Fe line at Daggett was too far for trains without
a meal car, so Kelso also made perfect sense as a restaurant stop.
This particular building was built in 1923 to replace an earlier
depot. Along it's rail road line, the Los Angeles and Salt Lake
Railroad designed its architecture in the California mission style
to create an identity for itself. The Kelso Depot survives as
a historical marker.
The Depot finally closed in 1985, and the original plans called
for it to be demolished. Plans are to have the depot be renovated
for use as the Mojave National
Preserve Visitor Center.
See also - Kelso
Sand Dunes
Nearby cities & towns:
- Barstow
- Baker
- Calico
- Essex
- Needles
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Primitive
Camping
- Granite Mtns primitive sites
this prime overnight spot will serve as an
excellent overnight stop. Located right off Interstate 40, east
end of Mojave National Preserve,
several great secluded free camp spots surrounded by boulders,
cacti & junipers. From I-40 drive 7-8 miles north on Kelbaker
Rd to small dirt road turn off on the left side. Use an existing fire ring !
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Campground
Camping
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