Prior to 1943, Warner Robins was a small crossroads community known as Wellston, with a small depot on the east side of SR 247/US 129, on land now occupied by the Robins Air Force Base. This small village was transformed into a center of support for national defense by World War II. Rapid development of Warner Robins because of World War II was the impetus for the building of the Warner Robins Train Depot. As passenger and freight volume increased, pressure mounted on Georgia Southern and Florida Railroad to build a new depot to improve service to the base and the town. Construction on the new depot began in 1943, and it was dedicated in 1944. Trains providing passenger and freight service continued to use the Depot until 1970, when it was officially closed.

The Depot is now owned by the City of Warner Robins. After years of standing empty, the Depot has been restored to its original condition, a pedestrian way has been created to tie the depot to the nearby Museum of Aviation, and further pedestrian ways have been created nearby. It was reopened in the Spring of 1998 as a Visitor's Center. The Center will work together with the Museum of Aviation and the annual Robins Air Force Base open house, which attracts over 400,000 people to the City. The Depot/Visitor's Center is located across the street from the Base, and will be accessible by those attending the open house.

Please click on a picture for a larger view.

Detail of bay windows

Outside View of Warner Robins Depot

Inside view, exposed rafters

Back side of the building, entry door