Wakarusa Historic Complex and Museum

The Wakarusa Historical Society, Inc. was organized on September 9, 1975 by Larry Smith, Floyd Drake, Robert Ehret, Helen Klein, and Jack Hess, with the goal to obtain and restore the old Wakarusa depot that was built in 1892 and used at that time for passenger service and freight. The first train through Wakarusa was in 1893 with passenger service ending around on April 1, 1933. Norfolk and Western Railroad leased the Wabash Railroad in 1964, and the depot was closed May 15, 1975. On September 10, 1976, Norfolk and Western Railroad donated the depot and to the Wakarusa Historical Society. Allied Mills owned the coal yard directly across the street from the depot, and donated the land for the new location of the depot on December 1, 1976. Many hours of labor and money were donated to relocate the building here. In 1977 The Historical Society’s sponsored the Quasquicentennial, the 125th anniversary of the founding of Wakarusa.  The occasion was commemorated with a specially designed plate featuring Mt. Olive – 1849, Salem – 1852, and Wakarusa – 1852 to 1977.  During the Quasquicentennial, letters were received from President Carter, Lt. Governor Robert Orr, and Governor Otis Bowen. A Proclamation was brought from Goshen to Wakarusa by the Pony Express on Horseback, formally announcing the 125th year of Wakarusa. The Quadragum centennial, or 140th anniversary, was celebrated in 1992, and sponsored by The Wakarusa Historical Society.