The Comanche-Frisco Train Depot
The Comanche Frisco Train Depot, a historic landmark in Comanche, Texas, stands as a testament to the town's rich railroad heritage. Built in 1909 by the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway (Frisco), this one-story brick Prairie School-style building has played a significant role in shaping the social, political, and economic history of Comanche.
Before Renovations; 1900s
After Renovation; 2012
Photo Credits to Curtis Stunke
Historical Significance
The depot replaced an earlier wooden structure and was constructed to meet new state regulations requiring well-lit, heated, and segregated facilities for passengers. Its arrival marked a period of growth for Comanche, with the town's population increasing by 75% and county property values doubling in the decade following its construction.The Frisco line connected Comanche to a 5,000-mile rail network stretching north to Chicago, significantly boosting the town's economic importance. Local businesses, such as the Meadows Wholesale Grocery Company and the Durham Pecan Company, thrived due to the improved freight services provided by the depot.
Architectural Features
The Comanche Frisco Depot showcases distinctive architectural elements:
-Red brick construction with a rectangular floor plan
-Wide overhanging eaves and a hipped terracotta tile roof
-Limestone belt course wrapping around the building
-Green wooden trim on doors, windows, soffits, and brackets
-Canted bay window on the south elevation, topped by a gabled brick dormer.
Restoration and Current Use
After serving as a passenger station until approximately 1969, the depot fell into disuse. In 2002, the Friends of Historic Comanche began efforts to preserve the building. A major restoration project commenced in 2011, aiming to return the exterior to its 1909 appearance while rehabilitating the interior.
Key restoration work included:
-Replacing the damaged roof, soffits, and brackets
-Installing Mission Revival-style Ludowici tile roofing to match the original
-Reversing alterations to the north façade windows and entry
-Repainting exterior woodwork to its original green color
-Clearing the historic platform and using memorial bricks for infill
Today, the Comanche Frisco Depot has been repurposed to serve the community. It now houses offices for the Comanche Chamber of Commerce, provides space for community meetings, operates as the community visitor center and features a small museum. The restoration efforts have preserved the depot's historical integrity, allowing it to continue telling the story of Comanche's railroad era while serving new functions for the town's residents and visitors.