The Journal of San Diego History
SAN DIEGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY QUARTERLY
Spring 1988, Volume 34, Number 2
Thomas L. Scharf, Editor
by James N. Price
Santa Fe Stations
VISTA
History: This glorious red building was constructed in 1913 and used until the early 1940s for passenger service. The station was moved to its present location, about four blocks northeast of its original site, in 1981. The nearby San Marcos station, an original station from 1887, was dismantled in 1953. Some of its timbers were used to construct the Grange Hall on Mission Road, but the present building bears no resemblance to a train station.
Present Use: Vista’s elegantly restored depot houses the city’s Chamber of Commerce. A pleasant park area is located immediately adjacent to the building.
Location: This must-see station sits in splendor on the top of a small hill at the corner of Washington Street and Indiana Avenue in downtown Vista.
At the time of this 1914 photo, Vista’s Santa Fe station was brand new. (San Diego History Center – Ticor Collection)
Vista’s station today has been moved a few blocks from its original location and houses the city’s Chamber of Commerce. The building has been elegantly restored.
