Preserving the Past: The Fulda Depot and the National Register of Historic Places
By Nick Demuth
In this article, we’re highlighting one of Murray County’s historic landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)—the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Depot, more commonly known as the Fulda Depot. We’ll also provide a brief overview of the National Register itself, as we often receive questions about what it means to be listed and what protections or benefits it offers.
The National Register of Historic Places was created through the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and serves as the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. While managed by the National Park Service, the process also involves state and local review. Any property can be submitted for consideration—public or private—and is evaluated based on age, integrity, and historical significance.
Common misconceptions include the belief that listing a property restricts what owners can do with it. In most cases, this is not true. Property owners can modify or even demolish a listed building unless federal funding is involved in a project affecting it. For example, Murray County’s original courthouse was listed on the NRHP in 1977—and demolished just four years later in 1981. There are no insurance requirements, no public access mandates, and no limitations on ownership transfers tied to being listed.
So why list a property? Beyond formal recognition, listing opens the door to state and federal grants, a 20% federal income tax credit for income-producing rehabilitation projects, and eligibility for other preservation programs. Owners may also order a commemorative plaque to display their property’s historical significance.
Murray County has eight listings on the National Register, spread across the communities of Fulda, Slayton, Avoca, and Currie. Fulda is home to two listings: the First National Bank building and the Fulda Depot, which was added to the register in 1979.
The Fulda Depot was originally constructed in 1880, several months after trains first arrived in Fulda in September 1879. It was initially located between the tracks for ease of loading and unloading passengers and freight, then moved to its final location in 1904.
Architecturally, the depot is an excellent example of Stick-Eastlake style, a blend of two popular Victorian design movements from the late 19th century. Stick style features decorative linear woodwork that mimics exposed framing, while Eastlake style—inspired by Charles Eastlake—emphasized handmade craftsmanship and decorative detailing. Few buildings in Minnesota remain in this architectural style, which adds to the depot’s significance.
Throughout its history, the depot served as Fulda’s “window to the world.” Trains connected the town north to Minneapolis and south to Omaha, allowing local farmers and merchants to ship goods nationwide. By 1895, eight trains passed through Fulda daily. The 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago was attended by 65 Fulda residents, thanks to special railroad passenger fares. But like many small-town depots, the rise of the automobile led to a steady decline in train travel. Passenger service ended in 1963, and by September 1979, nearly 100 years after its arrival, the last train left Fulda. The rails were removed the following summer.
As the depot stood empty, local citizens sprang into action. They invited Russell Fridley, head of the Minnesota Historical Society, to visit and assess the depot’s condition. He praised its unique style and good preservation. With help from the Historical Society, Fulda residents completed the nomination paperwork, and on October 16, 1979, the Fulda Depot was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, it remains a proud symbol of Fulda’s connection to Minnesota’s railroad past and the value of community-led preservation efforts.
Pictured: Fulda citizens gathered at the depot, circa 1920.