Take an engaging look at one of America’s most recognizable and endearing building types, the train depot.  For most cities, including Auburn Hills, the depot was the center of commerce, information and transportation.  Created across America by the railroad companies, depots oftentimes became the landmark identity of the community it served.

The depot in Auburn Hills was a stop on the Grand Trunk Railroad Air Line Division. The Depot was built in 1879 and dismantled in 1957. The last train passed through Auburn Hills on December 9th 1999. The Depot was located on a small triangular plot of land on the North side of the railroad tracks, South side of Primary Road, and West of Grey Road. The tracks were removed in 2000 and the rail bed was converted to use as the Clinton River Rail Trail. A depot historical marker is now erected near the location where the depot once stood. 

Learn more about this integral piece of local history at the Auburn Hills Historical Society’s spring presentation on April 27. Travel through time from the earliest utilitarian depots of the 1850’s to the grand terminals at the peak of passenger service with presenters Ron Campbell and Jackie Hoist as they recall the memories and legacy of these iconic buildings. Together they wrote the book, “Michigan’s Destination Depots, Lighthouses along the Rivers of Steel.” 

Presenter Ron Campbell is principal Planner & Preservation Architect for Oakland County Economic Development services.  He assist’s communities with the Main Street Program which is part of the National Preservation program. Presenter Jackie Hoist, is a certified building inspector and a principal Architect with H2A.  

Presentation is FREE to the public. Sponsored by the Auburn Hills Historical Society (AHHS) and Auburn Hills Public Library (AHPL). To be held on Saturday April 27, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the library.

Tyson Brown, President, Auburn Hills Historical Society