Photo provided. A gathering will be held at the Barnesville Historic Depot on August 27 as area residents revive efforts to preserve and promote the structure.
BARNESVILLE – Two local residents are asking the public for help in preserving and promoting Barnesville’s historic train station.
After the municipality purchased the depot and land in 1991, the building and its railway history exhibits were actively used for special events and as a tourist attraction for several years.
The depot and the pavilion of the farmers’ market were also “a hive full of activity” during the annual Barnesville Pumpkin Festival every September.
But over time the number of active members of the group leading these activities dwindled as people moved away or died. Activity at the depot dropped significantly during the years it was used as a training facility for drivers and as a hub for transport companies.
During these years, urgently needed repairs to the historic red tiled roof were also postponed.
Thanks to the efforts of Senator Brian Chavez (R-Athens) and Representative Donald Jones (R-Freeport), $75,000 was included in the state budget for fiscal year 2025 to cover the cost of this work.
The public is now invited “Come on board” by attending a meeting and taking a tour of the building with Aaron Wildman and Bruce Yarnall, the meeting coordinators. Participants are encouraged to help find ways to revitalize the Depot Committee and “Depot back on track.”
The Barnesville Depot Committee information/organization meeting is scheduled for August 27th at 6:00 p.m. at the Depot.
According to the Village of Barnesville website, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad building is the last remaining railroad station in Belmont County. It features memorabilia from the station and the depot, a B&O tail car. It is located directly in the path of the railroad tunnel that runs under Main Street. The depot’s address is 300 E. Church St., Barnesville.
For more information, contact Yarnall via email at [email protected] or text him at 202-236-5633.
