The Bachtold Building-Interurban Depot is a historic structure located in Walla Walla, Washington. It holds significance as a former interurban rail station and a commercial building in the city’s downtown area.
The building was constructed in 1911 and initially served as a depot for the Walla Walla Valley Railway, an interurban electric railway system that connected Walla Walla with nearby towns. Interurban rail systems were a common means of transportation in the early 20th century, providing convenient travel between urban and suburban areas.
The Bachtold Building-Interurban Depot served as both a railway station and a commercial space. It’s a two-story brick building with distinctive architectural features that reflect the style of the time. The depot portion of the building was on the ground floor, where passengers could board and disembark from interurban trains.
As the popularity of interurban rail travel waned in the mid-20th century and automobiles became the preferred mode of transportation, many interurban rail lines and associated structures were abandoned or repurposed. The Bachtold Building-Interurban Depot also saw changes in its use over the years.
The building’s historical and architectural significance led to its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This designation recognizes its role in the region’s transportation history and its contribution to the architectural landscape of Walla Walla.
Overall, the Bachtold Building-Interurban Depot stands as a reminder of a bygone era when interurban rail systems played a crucial role in connecting communities and facilitating transportation.
330 W. Main St.
Walla Walla