If you’ve ever wandered down Orange Street in Chico, you’ve likely noticed the old train depot sitting beside the tracks—the Chico train station. Unassuming yet full of charm, it’s a place where Chico’s past still lingers. Generations of travelers, students, and even famous guests have passed through its doors, and its story is as rich as the town it serves.

Let’s take a ride through time and explore the enduring legacy of this Chico landmark.

First Stop: 1870 and the California and Oregon Railroad

The railroad first arrived in Chico in 1870, when the California and Oregon Railroad—a subsidiary of the Central Pacific—laid its tracks into town. That same year, Chico’s first train depot was constructed, a modest wooden structure that became the gateway for commerce and travel in the region. It brought with it progress and prosperity, linking Chico’s agriculture and lumber to markets beyond.

Built for the Long Haul: Southern Pacific’s 1892 Depot

As Chico grew, so did its rail needs. In 1892, the Southern Pacific Railroad built the depot we know today. Still a wooden structure but designed to better serve both passengers and freight, the new station quickly became a hub of activity.

Just across the street was the Western Hotel, ready to welcome visitors stepping off the train. The scene was classic: porters unloading trunks, families reuniting, and newcomers looking forward to discovering Chico.

Education on Track: Chico State’s Beginnings

In 1887, Chico became home to the Northern Branch of the State Normal School, now Chico State. Students and professors from across Northern California arrived by train, stepping into the station and into the next chapter of their lives. For generations, the station was their first introduction to Chico—a place where opportunity arrived on steel rails.

Distinguished Guests: Arrivals by Rail

During the 19th century, John and Annie Bidwell—founders and civic leaders of Chico—were known for hosting some of the most prominent figures of their time. Many of their esteemed guests likely arrived at Chico’s train station, stepping off the platform and into the history books. Among those visitors:

• President Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th President of the United States, who visited Chico in 1880 after his term, reflecting the Bidwells' influence on national politics and society.
• General William T. Sherman, famed Civil War Union general, whose presence in Chico linked the town to one of the most defining figures in American military history.
• Susan B. Anthony, trailblazing leader of the women’s suffrage movement, who found a kindred spirit in Annie Bidwell’s activism for temperance and women’s rights.
• Frances Willard, a nationally known educator and head of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, who campaigned tirelessly for social reform.
• Governor Leland Stanford, former California Governor, railroad magnate, and founder of Stanford University, whose ties to railroads and education mirrored the Bidwells' civic pursuits.
• John Muir, naturalist and “Father of the National Parks,” whose environmental passion likely resonated with the Bidwells’ love of land and conservation.
• Asa Gray, one of America’s foremost botanists, whose scientific influence helped shape the understanding of California’s native flora.

A Historic Moment: The Liberty Bell in Chico

In 1915, the Liberty Bell made its way across the country on a tour promoting national unity and liberty bonds. It stopped in Chico, arriving by train to a crowd of eager residents. For a moment, Chico stood at the crossroads of national history, its train station the stage for an event that brought the whole town together. The visit was a point of pride and connection, linking Chico to the broader story of America’s journey through war, freedom, and patriotism.

Hollywood Arrives by Rail: Filming The Adventures of Robin Hood

In 1938, Chico played host to Hollywood magic as Warner Bros. selected Bidwell Park to stand in for Sherwood Forest in The Adventures of Robin Hood, starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. The production brought a flurry of excitement to the town, with cast and crew arriving by train. Upon arrival, they were whisked away to their accommodations at Richardson Springs, a mineral springs resort nestled just outside Chico. The film’s grand scenes—including Robin Hood’s camp and the legendary archery contest—were brought to life beneath the sprawling branches of the Hooker Oak, one of the largest valley oak trees in the world at the time. The presence of Hollywood stars and the transformation of Chico’s natural beauty into cinematic history left an indelible mark on the town’s cultural heritage.

Getaways and Relaxation: Richardson Springs

Chico’s train station wasn’t just a stopover—it was the gateway to Richardson Springs, a beloved mineral springs resort just outside of town. Early visitors were met by horse-drawn coaches, later replaced by motorized vehicles that could seat twelve, ready to carry them through the foothills for a rejuvenating stay. The station bustled with luggage being loaded, resort guests exchanging greetings, and drivers calling out names—an era of leisure and elegance.

War, Change, and Renewal

During World Wars I and II, the station was a poignant setting for goodbyes and homecomings. Soldiers departed from its platform, and many were welcomed home on those same tracks. Over time, with the rise of cars and air travel, train service declined.

Passenger rail service to Chico ceased in 1957, and when Amtrak was established in 1971, its initial routes bypassed Chico entirely. For more than a decade, Chicoans watched as the Coast Starlight sped by without stopping. But the community refused to accept this. Through sustained advocacy and political pressure, Chico fought to change the route—and won.

In 1982, Amtrak reinstated service to Chico, rerouting the Coast Starlight to stop here once again. It was a major victory for a community determined to stay connected to the national rail system.

Today, the Coast Starlight still rolls through town daily at around 2:00 AM northbound and 4:00 AM southbound, and Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach service links Chico to Sacramento’s Capitol Corridor. Meanwhile, Union Pacific freight trains continue to rumble through Chico 20 to 25 times a day, a familiar and steady part of the town’s rhythm.

"Fire guts Chico train station"

In the early morning hours of Saturday, April 5, 1986, a devastating fire tore through the warehouse section of the Chico train station. First spotted by a jogger around 4:30 a.m., the blaze was widely suspected to be the result of arson. In true Chico spirit, the community quickly rallied around the historic site, launching efforts to restore and preserve what remained of the beloved landmark.

Preservation and Art: The Station Today

In 2014, the Chico train station was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its importance to Chico’s story. Today, it houses the Chico Art Center, where exhibits, workshops, and creative energy now fill the space once bustling with travelers.

Outside, you’ll find a historic passenger railcar, fully restored and used for community events. (Though often referred to as a Cushman car, it is actually a Southern Pacific passenger or maintenance railcar, now repurposed for gatherings and celebrations.) It serves as a tangible link to the past, blending nostalgia with community spirit.

As you walk around the building, notice the old hasps and hinges still in use, and peek through the windows to spot the ticket office, nearly unchanged from the early 1900s. It’s a glimpse into the past—frozen in time, yet still alive with history.

The Upstairs Mystery

Above the main floor is a second story, once likely used as railroad offices or staff quarters. Today, it begs the question if the stairs are there, and the upper floor is accessible. One can only imagine what might remain—perhaps artifacts, ledgers, or worn floorboards telling their own stories. Restoring access could unveil forgotten pieces of Chico’s past, waiting patiently above.

Rolling Forward: North Valley Rail Service

Looking ahead, Chico’s train story is far from over. The North Valley Rail Project, led by the Butte County Association of Governments (BCAG), aims to establish daily passenger rail service between Chico and Sacramento. This proposed commuter line would serve students, workers, and travelers—helping to reduce highway traffic, promote sustainability, and strengthen regional ties.

Feasibility studies and community outreach are underway, and local support continues to grow. If successful, Chico could once again be a major regional rail hub, just as it was over a century ago.

Final Stop: Past and Future on the Rails

The Chico train station is more than a building—it’s a bridge across generations. From Bidwell-era dignitaries to modern commuters, from students of yesterday to artists of today, it continues to serve Chico in quiet, enduring ways. Whether you're standing on the platform, admiring its weathered woodwork, or imagining the stories that unfolded upstairs, one thing is clear: the journey of Chico’s train station is far from over. And the next chapter just might be arriving right on schedule.