DavisToday

DAVIS HISTORY

Why the Davis train depot matters to the town’s history

The railroad created the conditions for Davisville to grow; today’s Mission Revival depot replaced an earlier station in 1913.

Davis is a railroad town at its core. A rail junction established in 1868 helped turn the area into Davisville and stimulated local growth. The original frame station was replaced in 1913 by the Mission Revival-style Southern Pacific depot that still anchors downtown rail service today.

1868A rail junction helps establish and grow Davisville.
1913The present Mission Revival depot replaces the earlier frame station.
Period1868–1913
EvidenceDocumented
Location2nd & H streets
Last checked2026-08-18
SourceCity of Davis — Historic Pedestrian and Bike Tour
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Keep exploring Davis history

Why Davis was once called DavisvilleThe railroad settlement that grew here in 1868 was known as Davisville, a name tied to rancher Jerome C. Davis and the Davis ranch.When Davis was founded — and when it became a cityDavis traces its town origins to the railroad junction established in 1868, but it did not incorporate as a city until 1917.Why the Richards underpass was called the Davis SubwayThe Richards Boulevard underpass was built in 1917 and was historically known as the Davis Subway; it carried an early state highway beneath the railroad.Davis public art mapThe City publishes public-art resources and a pocket map organized by area, with public art listings plus bike paths, parks and art institutions.Follies2025 student-designed gathering structures celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Davis Farmers Market. Installations include downtown locations near Hunt-Boyer and the Amtrak station.Fiat LuxNicole Beck’s 2024 stainless-steel and dichroic-glass work honoring the life of Karim Abou Najm.