Whitman County- The Port of Whitman County signed an Economic Development and Tourism Agreement with the Whitman County Historical Society for $35,000. The agreement will help fund the exterior restoration of the Pullman Depot Heritage Center’s railcars. 

After completing exterior restoration of the Pullman Depot building, the Historical Society is now turning its attention to the railcars outside the building. The 56-seat Northern Pacific Day Coach, built in 1946, and the Burlington Northern caboose have rapidly deteriorated in recent years. Restoration will include refurbishing the metal siding and roof, replacing windows, and repainting both cars to their original condition. The total cost of the project is estimated at $225,000.

The Port has previously supported the Pullman Depot Heritage Center project. The project aligns with the Port’s mission to encourage the preservation of multi-modal transportation. In 2022, the Port awarded $50,000 to the first phase of the project—the restoration of the depot’s exterior. 

“We are thrilled to have an ongoing relationship with the Port,” Fundraising Chair Debbie Sherman said. “Our missions align closely in recognizing the importance of transportation and agriculture both in the past and moving into the future.”

The Pullman community depended on rail in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1910, six daily passenger trains served Pullman. Freight also ran between Spokane and Lewiston daily with stops in Pullman. In 1917, Northern Pacific built the depot building. From 1917 to 1940, the depot saw hundreds of students arrive at Washington State University, then called Washington State College, on “Cougar Special” trains.  

“The Pullman Depot is an important piece of Whitman County’s history, and we are proud to support the next phase of its restoration,” Commission President Kristine Meyer said. “Investing in projects such as this preserves county history while creating opportunities for tourism and economic growth.”

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About the Port of Whitman County

The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities. For more information about Port properties and ongoing projects visit the Port website, www.portwhitman.com.