Sanford started as a place where railroad lines crossed in 1871. One of the first homes built was for the depot agent of the Raleigh and Augusta Airline Railroad. This house was built around 1872 at what is now the crossing of Hawkins Street and Charlotte Avenue. The home served as one of Sanford's first schools and was a home for many years. When the home was slated for demolition in the 1960s, a group formed to save the house. It was moved across the street and now serves as a museum focusing on the history of the local community, with a focus on railroads in particular, which were a key part of Sanford's early history. The museum is frequently opened on the weekends during the spring, summer, and fall months. We recently visited on a Saturday afternoon and enjoyed browsing through the displays for an hour or so. The museum has old railroad artifacts, farm implements, pictures, typewritters, and an assorment of objects from Sanford's past. We especially enjoyed vinatge Boy Scout uniforms from my son's Scout troop. |  |
 | This old steam locomotive sits between the Railroad House museum and the Old Railroad Depot in Depot Park. The locomotive is from the Atlantic and Western Railroad. The locomotive was a hit with my daughter who wanted to know the function of every part and piece! |
| This is a picture of the old railroad depot in Downtown Sanford, NC. The depot currently serves as the headquarters for the Sanford Board of Realtors. The Railroad House Museum and Old Steam Locomotive #12 are on one side of the depot and an ampitheater and park are on the other side. During the warmer months, Depot Park hosts concerts and other leisure activities. The park features a bandstand, play area, public restrooms, and a splash fountain. The park is an enjoyable place to visit on a warm afternoon for a walk, a visit to the museum, to sit while the children play, or to listen to a concert. |  |
You can find out more about Depot Park and downtown Sanford at the Historic Downtown Sanford website.
To find out more about homes in Sanford, NC and neighborhoods in the area, visit the Sanford NC Neighborhoods page on my website.
You can also visit my Sanford NC Real Estate website for more information about Real Estate in the Sanford, Lee County, or Harnett County areas.
Rita Taylor
ERA Ammons Realty
Sanford NC Real Estate
"Taylored" For You!
Sanford NC Real Estate
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