The Railroad Depot
The Iowa Eastern Railroad was built in 1871. This narrow gauge rail was a side-spur off the mainline branching off from Beulah station, going to Froelich, Bismark, Farmersburg, St Olaf and continuing on to Elkader, then returning. Around 1872, a depot was built here where the railroad crossed the Old Military Trail and soon the Froelich station grew to become the village of Froelich. Many businesses were built here.
The first depots had a baggage room and office. The station agent managed the depot and sold passenger tickets until about 1903. The mail and freight were handled here, as well. The Froelich Depot was destroyed by the flood of 1916. After the second depot was built it was also destroyed by the flood of 1932. No depot was built then. Later a building north of the general store was used to warehouse the freight.
In September 2003, in our efforts to restore the village, the Froelich Foundation erected a railroad depot. Railroad artifacts and other collectibles are showcased in the depot.
The first depots had a baggage room and office. The station agent managed the depot and sold passenger tickets until about 1903. The mail and freight were handled here, as well. The Froelich Depot was destroyed by the flood of 1916. After the second depot was built it was also destroyed by the flood of 1932. No depot was built then. Later a building north of the general store was used to warehouse the freight.
In September 2003, in our efforts to restore the village, the Froelich Foundation erected a railroad depot. Railroad artifacts and other collectibles are showcased in the depot.
