Depot History
The Impossible Railroad and the Station That Came Back
The Crown King Depot is a new replica built on the site of the original historic train depot.
- Mines
- 32
- Switchbacks
- 10
- Miles of Track
- 7
- Grades
- 4%
- Feet Elevation
- 6,000
Before 1904
The Mining District
There were 32 mines within a 5-mile radius of Crown King, including the Del Pasco, Gladiator, Oro Belle, Peck, War Eagle, and Tiger. Gold and silver were the main ores.
May 12, 1904
The Railroad Arrives
The Crown King branch of the Bradshaw Mountain Railway reached Crown King, with 10 switchbacks in 7 miles of track, grades up to 4%, at 6,000 feet elevation. It was known as Frank Murphy's "Impossible Railroad."
The Boom
A Town on the Line
Soon after the railroad arrived, the town gained a Wells Fargo, Western Union, and post office.
1907
Crown King at Its Peak
Crown King had four saloons, three freight companies, two general stores, two restaurants, a laundry, a hospital, seven mining companies, bunkhouses, and one cemetery. Population swung between 50 and 600 depending on the season.
1927
The Tracks Come Up
The Santa Fe Railway abandoned and removed the tracks, but the community carried on for the next century.
2026
Back on the Line
The old, "new" train station opens and visitors can once again toast the Impossible Railroad.
End of the Line — For Tonight
Sleep Where the Impossible Railroad Ended
Stay in one of our four vintage sleeper cars and experience Crown King's history firsthand.