Archer Depot hosts first Train Day celebration, showcasing rail history and raising funds

ARCHER, Fla. (WCJB) - The Archer community took a step back in time Saturday as families, local history buffs and railroad enthusiasts gathered at the town’s historic train depot for its first Train Day celebration.

The Archer Historical Society hosted the First Annual Train Day at the Archer Depot, inviting visitors to tour the Depot Museum and see a new Mainline model train exhibit.

The display highlights the Florida Railway line that once ran between Amelia Island and Cedar Key in the mid-1800s.

The event also included local vendors, live music and train rides for children.

Michelle Florence, a Train Day committee member, said the celebration was created to honor the depot and support its upkeep.

“We’re doing this to commemorate the depot itself,” Florence said. “We’re hoping that we’re raising funds to help renovating repairs to the depot as necessary and also raise awareness to the history that comes along with the depot.”

Florence said the Archer Depot is one of the last depots still standing along the historic route.

Archer Historical Society member and historian Johnny Nelson also spoke during the event about the town’s railroad ties to David Levy Yulee, who helped establish Florida’s early rail system and is the namesake of Levy County and the town of Yulee.

“The first U.S. senator, David Levy Yulee, was the originator of the railroad,” Nelson said. “And so, we remember him by that.”

Organizers said Train Day was designed to celebrate local history, bring the community together and help fund preservation work at the depot.

The Archer Depot remains active year-round, including hosting a weekly farmers market every Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.