Railroad House Historical Association

The Railroad House Historical Association was formed as a result of the Railroad House, downtown Sanford’s oldest building, being threatened with demolition in 1962. Built in 1872, the Railroad House was originally built as a home for the first depot agent of the Raleigh and Augusta Airline Railroad, and later served as the home of Sanford’s first mayor as well as a schoolhouse.

Presently, the Railroad House is a museum, managed by the Railroad House Association. Inside, are displays of artifacts and pictures detailing life in the area from the 1874 to the present. Visitors will also see the Old Steam Locomotive #12 located behind the building. The museum is open to the public various hours Monday through Friday.

In addition, the non-profit Railroad House Historical Association is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Lee County through various community projects, including sponsoring the 1991-1992 Lee County Architectural Survey and restoring the Endor Iron Furnace along the Deep River, their current project. The objective is to restore the Furnace to its original appearance and use it as a centerpiece for a regional park featuring hiking/bike trails, canoeing, and an interpretive center. The hope is that eventually the Furnace will become a major educational, recreational, and historical destination to school children, history aficionados, and the public alike.

To make arrangements to visit the House or to learn more about the Endor Iron Furnace Campaign, contact the Railroad Historical Association at P.O. Box 1023 Sanford, NC 27330 or phone: 919-776-7479.